Rising inflation and the escalating cost of living are creating a significant hurdle for the Trump administration as the Republican Party works to keep its grip on Congress before the midterms. Political analyst Brit Hume highlighted these economic pressures during an appearance on Wednesday evening, noting that the current financial climate is creating real trouble for the White House, The Hill reported.
The sentiment among voters appears to be shifting, according to a recent Fox News poll released on Wednesday. The data shows that 63 percent of surveyed voters believe the administration has made the economy worse, a group that includes 26 percent of Republican voters. As Hume put it during his segment, “That is not a number that the president can be very content with.”
In that same survey, 64 percent of voters stated that the tariff agenda pursued by President Trump has actually harmed the U.S. economy. When it comes to managing inflation, 55 percent of respondents indicated they would place more trust in Democrats than in the GOP.
Affordability is clearly weighing heavily on the minds of the public
The broader economic landscape is being shaped by several volatile factors, including the ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran, which have caused global energy rates to climb. The administration is also navigating a difficult tariff dispute with Canada that has further complicated the trade environment. President Trump did attempt to address these anxieties on Monday, expressing his belief that oil costs “will drop precipitously” once the current conflict concludes.
Despite that optimism, the reality at the pump has been difficult for many Americans. AAA reported that U.S. gas prices reached a record high on Labor Day, averaging $4.15 per gallon. Diesel prices hit their own peak shortly before that, climbing to a national average of $5.85 per gallon. These figures are hard to ignore when you are filling up your tank or looking at your monthly budget.
Hume pointed out that these rising costs are “plaguing” the GOP during this campaign season. He noted that while the president was elected with the hope that inflation could be brought under control, the results have been inconsistent. He explained, “This business with prices is just killing the administration,” adding that while some products have seen improvement, the situation regarding gasoline and groceries remains a persistent struggle.
The political consequences are already showing up in the polling numbers for the upcoming midterm elections. When asked about their preferences for the House race in their specific districts, 51 percent of voters said they would support the Democratic candidate, while 44 percent favored the GOP candidate.
The president’s overall job approval rating currently sits at 39 percent, with only 24 percent of those surveyed showing support for his specific efforts to address affordability.
Published: Sep 17, 2026 04:06 pm