They’re referring to the demand shock effect: tariffs raise prices on imports, which suppresses overall demand and reduces aggregate spending. Since inflation measures the general price level, weaker demand can offset cost-push effects, producing lower inflation readings. Technically correct - but highly counterintuitive and easy to spin. The average American struggles with fractions and percentages - especially per capita statistics - so they know they won't understand this.
Yes. Popular opinion is not above the "knee jerk reaction" we get at the doctor's office (does anyone alive, not paralyzed, ever fail that test?) ... but in this case, the "gut feeling" is also hunger for many who make less than six figures.
