Inflation Worries Weigh on Trump and Republicans Ahead of Midterms

One week before midterm elections that are seen as a referendum on his presidency, Donald Trump is grappling with voter concerns about inflation, a key campaign promise he has struggled to fulfill. Despite his assertions of an economic "golden age," rising costs for everyday items are creating economic hardship for many Americans.

The price of filling a truck has increased significantly, mortgage rates have climbed, and consumer prices have outpaced wage growth for the past year. This economic squeeze is causing frustration among voters, with some blaming Trump's policies, including tariffs and the ongoing conflict with Iran, for higher prices.

Record-high diesel prices, in particular, have increased shipping and farming expenses. This is creating challenges for Republicans in traditionally conservative states such as Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, and Texas, where Democrats are seeing unexpected competitiveness in key races.

"The costs of things are absolutely the first thing people talk about, but also it’s their pay not keeping up with the cost," said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. "It’s a double whammy."

Voters like Misty Reeder, 48, from Easley, South Carolina, are experiencing increased financial strain, noting that rent has risen substantially over the years. "Something’s gotta give," she said. "It’s like a dam — the pressure’s too much, and it’s going to break."

Sandra Capell, 69, also in Easley, voiced a desire for economic change, stating, "I think everybody is kind of suffering when it comes to groceries, gas, everything really. I’m looking at the Republican Party to jump on the wagon, get in the saddle and let’s bring it back."

In Allentown, Pennsylvania, Beti Rosales, 47, whose family runs a Mexican restaurant, has seen the prices of ingredients like limes and avocados increase, alongside the cost of services like plumbing. Rosales, who supported Trump and Republicans two years ago hoping for inflation relief, now feels the situation has worsened and is considering voting Democratic.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for high inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, and vowed to lower gasoline prices and spur economic growth. "With your vote in this election, I will end inflation," he promised.

Trump's economic policies have included imposing significant tariffs on trading partners and enacting broad income tax cuts. However, inflation has persisted, with prices reaching 3.7% last month, overshadowing continued economic growth and low unemployment rates. Trump has frequently downplayed the intensity of inflation, claiming it is under control.

Democrats are leveraging voter discontent over the cost of living to challenge Republicans in competitive districts. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, stated at a rally in Atlanta, "Now remember, they promised to lower prices on Day One. Instead, under the failed President Donald J. Trump, it costs more than ever in American history to fill up your truck, stock your fridge, visit the doctor or power your home."

Candidates like Cait Conley, a Democrat running in New York, are reminding voters of past statements by Republicans on economic issues. Democrats are also accusing Trump and other Republicans of enacting policies that benefit wealthy donors at the expense of ordinary Americans.

"Trump’s war abroad costs taxpayers a billion dollars a day on a war we have no business fighting. Our schools crumble, our factories shutter, our gas prices skyrocket. But when they want war, billion-dollar blank checks," said Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

Amy Richards, 56, a former Republican voter, believes Trump is out of touch with the struggles of average Americans, stating, "He has zero idea what it is like to receive a paycheck and have to feed yourself and your family... and he doesn’t care."

Republicans, in turn, are highlighting progressive elements within the Democratic party. Stephen Moore, an economic advisor to Trump, expressed a desire for Republicans to emphasize economic strengths like rising median incomes and a strong stock market, while acknowledging that voter sentiment is heavily influenced by financial stress.

Some Trump supporters, like Renee Blood, 57, an executive assistant in Round Rock, Texas, feel the economy has improved and plan to vote Republican out of concern that Democratic policies would worsen the situation. "Of course we see gas prices up and down, but things are much more affordable," she said, adding that "we are still working on it."