Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume has identified inflation as a significant concern that is “plaguing” former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Hume highlighted a recent Fox News poll indicating that a majority of Americans believe the economy has worsened under Trump’s administration.
The poll revealed that 63% of Americans now think Trump’s tenure has negatively impacted the U.S. economy, an 11-percentage-point increase from the previous year. Hume noted that the poll also showed significant voter concern over rising grocery and gas prices, with 62% and 61% of respondents, respectively, citing them as major problems.
While acknowledging that inflation on some products has been brought under control, Hume stated that persistent increases in grocery prices and concerns related to gasoline prices, which he linked to global events, are “killing” the current administration and the president’s party. He suggested these economic anxieties are contributing to declining approval ratings.
Hume’s remarks came during a discussion on “Special Report With Bret Baier,” where Vice President JD Vance was featured asking voters for more time to address economic issues. Hume conceded that while job growth and poverty reduction have seen positive trends, the persistent issue of rising prices is overshadowing these achievements.
Further underscoring economic discontent, the Fox News poll indicated a growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s tariff policies, with disapproval rising from 57% to 64% over the past year. Additionally, only 8% of those polled expressed enthusiasm about the current state of government operations.