VERDICT: FALSE
Claims that recent inflation reached "historical caps" or was the worst in American history are false. While the 2021-2022 inflation surge was significant (peaking at 9.1% in June 2022), it was well below historical peaks in the 1970s-80s (reaching 14.8% in 1980) and post-WWII periods. By 2025, inflation had returned near the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
Throughout 2025, claims persisted that the United States experienced "the worst inflation in history" or that prices rose to "historical caps." These claims misrepresent historical data. While the post-pandemic inflation of 2021-2022 was the highest since the early 1980s - representing a 40-year high - it was nowhere near historical maximums. The 1970s-80s saw inflation exceed 14%, and earlier periods saw even higher rates. Moreover, by 2025, inflation had substantially decreased.
What the Data Actually Shows
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the standard measure of inflation, reached its recent peak in June 2022 at 9.1% year-over-year. [1]
While this was the highest rate since November 1981, it was significantly below historical peaks: [3]
| Period | Peak Inflation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| March 1980 | 14.8% | Oil embargo aftermath, Fed tightening |
| December 1979 | 13.3% | Second oil shock |
| November 1974 | 12.3% | First oil embargo |
| June 2022 | 9.1% | Post-pandemic, supply chain disruption |
| December 2025 | 2.6% | Near Fed target |
The "Worst in History" Claim
Claims that 2021-2022 inflation was "the worst in history" are demonstrably false. The 9.1% peak was: [7]
- 38% lower than the March 1980 peak (14.8%)
- 32% lower than December 1979 (13.3%)
- 26% lower than November 1974 (12.3%)
Even earlier in American history, inflation exceeded 20% following both World Wars. [6]
The 2022 inflation spike was a 40-year high - the highest since 1981. This is factual. What's false is characterizing it as a "historical cap" or "worst ever." For anyone who lived through the 1970s, 9% inflation was painful but not unprecedented. [9]
Cumulative Price Increases
A related claim involves cumulative price increases - arguing that prices rose by some unprecedented total amount. While cumulative increases from 2020-2025 were significant (~20%), this must be viewed in historical context: [11]
- From 1973-1983, cumulative inflation exceeded 130%
- From 1940-1950, prices approximately doubled
Inflation in 2025
By December 2025, inflation had returned to approximately 2.6% - near the Federal Reserve's 2% target. [8]
Claims made in 2025 that inflation was still at "historical" levels were especially misleading, as the rate had fallen substantially from its 2022 peak. [4]
Global Context
The post-pandemic inflation surge was a global phenomenon, not unique to the United States. In fact, US inflation was lower than many peer nations: [16]
- United Kingdom: peaked at 11.1%
- Germany: peaked at 10.4%
- Euro Area: peaked at 10.6%
- United States: peaked at 9.1%
Claims that recent inflation reached "historical caps" or was the worst in American history are FALSE. The 2022 peak of 9.1% was a 40-year high - significant and painful for consumers - but well below historical maximums of 14-15% in 1979-1980. By 2025, inflation had returned near normal levels. Characterizing recent inflation as historically unprecedented misrepresents the data.