Real average hourly earnings up 1.2% overall and 1.5% for middle/lower-wage workers in January 2026

The White House said January’s consumer price index surprised on the downside, reporting year‑over‑year inflation of 2.4% and core inflation at its lowest in nearly five years. The administration also highlighted rising real wages — saying real average hourly earnings rose 1.2% (1.5% for middle- and lower-wage workers) and that real earnings outpaced inflation by about $1,400 in President Trump’s first year back in office. The statement credited administration policies, including drug‑pricing reforms and the Great Healthcare Plan, for recent price declines and called for interest‑rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.