John Kennedy says DC tests his faith as he defends Trump's economy amid media bias

WASHINGTON, DC: Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said navigating Washington’s political culture often requires patience, faith and restraint.

Speaking this week as new inflation data showed easing price pressures, Kennedy reflected on frustration inside the capital while defending the Trump administration’s economic record.

John Kennedy reflects on faith, frustration and gratitude in Washington

Appearing Tuesday on 'The Ingraham Angle', Sen John Kennedy offered a characteristically blunt reflection on what it takes to survive life in Washington, DC, particularly amid what he described as a deeply entrenched hard-left political culture.

Kennedy said his Christian faith guides him through daily encounters on Capitol Hill, even when the environment tests his patience. In remarks that quickly drew attention online, the Louisiana Republican explained that his mornings often begin with a self-reminder to stay grounded.

“I’ve said before, I don’t hate anybody. I look for grace wherever I can find it,” Kennedy told Fox News host Brian Kilmeade.

“But there’s some days when I walk to my office in the Capitol and I give myself a pep talk and I say today, ‘Kennedy, you’re going to follow Jesus.’ But by 10, I want to follow Jesus still, but I want to slap somebody.”

Despite the candid remark, Kennedy stressed that he remains grateful for his role in public service and is focused on gratitude as the year comes to a close.

“I love my job, and this Christmas I’m not thinking about grievances. I’m thinking about gratitude. I’m thinking about grace,” he said, adding that he is thankful for his faith and family.

Trump administration economic data sparks renewed debate

Kennedy’s comments came as new economic data offered a measure of optimism for the Trump administration. The Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed inflation easing to a 2.7% year-over-year increase in November, down from 3.0% in September.

The senator argued that the figures reflect tangible progress under President Donald Trump’s second term, even as he accused much of the media of downplaying or ignoring positive developments.

“This year, in some ways, Brian, has been frustrating,” Kennedy said. “Nothing that the Trump administration does, no matter what it is even if it’s something very, very positive, he’s not given credit for it by many members of the media.”

Kennedy said the disconnect is especially pronounced in Washington, which he described as a city dominated not just by Democratic lawmakers but by left-leaning institutions more broadly.

“Washington, DC, you know it, it’s a Democratic town,” he said. “Not just the Democrats in Congress, but the think tanks, the academics, the bureaucrats and that can be frustrating.”

Economists acknowledge inflation slowdown

The easing inflation numbers have not gone unnoticed outside conservative media. Harvard economics professor Kenneth Rogoff told CNN News Central that the November CPI report exceeded expectations.

“I was surprised. It was a better number than anyone was expecting,” Rogoff said. “Look, inflation’s been very high, it’s stayed high and it’s not been coming down.”

The slowdown comes after years of elevated price pressures that began during former President Joe Biden’s term, when inflation peaked at levels not seen in decades in mid-2022.

Trump pushes back on cost-of-living criticism

At the beginning of Trump’s second term, Democrats repeatedly blamed the president for high consumer prices, particularly the rising cost of groceries. Egg prices became a focal point of criticism after surging between November 2023 and March 2025, a spike the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis attributed largely to an avian influenza outbreak that decimated poultry supplies nationwide.

Trump has pushed back forcefully against those attacks. In a Wednesday night address, the president highlighted what the White House described as easing prices across everyday goods, including groceries, household items and fuel.

The administration has argued that inflationary pressures were inherited and that recent data points to a stabilizing economy.

John Kennedy says gratitude outweighs grievances

While acknowledging ongoing political battles, Kennedy said he is choosing to focus on perspective rather than resentment as the year draws to a close.

“Some days are aggravating,” he said, “but I’m thankful - thankful to God, thankful for my family, and thankful I get to serve.”