Trump's Blame-Shifting Strategy Haunts Republicans

President Trump has promoted a 'golden age' economy, but voters broadly disagree. Midterm campaigns are now beginning in earnest with that gap at the center of Republican strategy.

• 39% approve of Trump's job performance, per the RealClearPolitics polling average.
• 30% approve of his handling of inflation, a separate RealClearPolitics figure.
• 31% of Americans in an Economist/YouGov poll named inflation and prices their top issue.
• Gasoline is above $4 a gallon, its latest summer date at that level in over 20 years.

Why it matters: Inflation has risen above 3% since the U.S. joined Israel in military action against Iran in late February, reversing a trend that had been slowing before Trump took office.

• Housing remains unaffordable for many, with 30-year mortgage rates around 6.7%, their highest this year.
• Tax-cut savings that helped absorb higher fuel costs have been exhausted, according to economists cited in reporting.

How 24 sources split on this story

What’s next: Trump plans to highlight the stock market and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's tax provisions heading into November.

• Former National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Trump expressed interest in measures that would lower capital gains taxes.
• Current NEC Director Kevin Hassett said Trump has decided not to run solely on his past record.
• Will Trump offer new economic proposals, or campaign primarily on existing achievements?
• How much will the Iran conflict's energy shock ease before Election Day, and will pump prices drop as the administration has promised?
• Which Republican candidates in competitive races will distance themselves from Trump's economic record, and at what political cost?