Trump returns from China amid rising U.S. inflation

President Donald Trump returned to the U.S. from a state visit to China amid escalating inflation, with consumer prices rising 3.8% annually in April. The Cleveland Federal Reserve projects inflation could reach 4.2% in May, driven by high oil and gasoline prices due to the Iran war and Trump's tariffs. Wage gains are not keeping pace, effectively reducing workers' purchasing power. The president's trip to Beijing, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, yielded no immediate economic relief, despite Trump's claims of potential trade deals. Boeing announced a deal to sell 200 aircraft to China, with the possibility of expanding to 750 if negotiations proceed favorably. Democrats criticized Trump's focus on foreign policy while domestic economic concerns grow, with rising costs affecting gasoline, groceries, and other essentials. Meanwhile, conservative analyst Victor Davis Hanson argued that Trump holds a strong negotiating position with China due to U.S. energy dominance and economic growth. Hanson cited China's declining birth rate and dependence on foreign oil as factors that weaken its leverage in trade discussions. Xi Jinping warned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to conflict between the U.S. and China, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions. The president's trip coincided with primary elections, where voters are grappling with rising living costs.