Recent developments have raised significant concerns regarding the reliability and accuracy of U.S. inflation data. A hiring freeze implemented by the Trump administration is reportedly hampering the data collection efforts of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This has led to cuts in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) collection sample, with prices from specific cities in Utah and Nebraska no longer being included in the inflation reports. Economists express skepticism about the quality of the data being reported, citing inadequate sample sizes and the impact of reduced data collection resources. Various reports indicate that this situation, combined with the proposed budget cuts to statistical agencies, could further compromise the integrity of economic data at a time when tariffs loom and inflation remains a key concern.