President Donald Trump is amplifying his focus on economic issues as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. During a recent visit to Pennsylvania, Trump addressed concerns over affordability, a topic that resonates strongly with voters. According to a new Harvard CAPS Harris poll, 36 percent of respondents identified price increases and inflation as the most pressing issues facing the nation, while 29 percent pointed to the economy and jobs. These findings underscore the significance of economic concerns in the current political climate.
Trump’s strategy involves addressing voter apprehensions about affordability, particularly as he plans a series of rallies nationwide. Many voters, including some of his supporters, believe he has devoted excessive attention to foreign policy issues, which rank lower on the public’s list of priorities. The Trump administration’s stance in the past election was partly a reaction to the economic challenges under former President Joe Biden, whose tenure saw inflation peak at an alarming 9.1 percent.
While Trump asserts that his administration is working to address the lingering effects of inflation, he faces a complex challenge. Even as inflation rates decrease—currently down to 3 percent—prices continue to rise, albeit at a slower pace. This reality complicates his messaging. Trump remarked, “We’re bringing prices way down… but the Democrats caused the affordability problem, and we’re the ones that are fixing it.”
Despite the hurdles, some economic indicators suggest progress. Larry Kudlow, a former economic adviser to Trump, noted that wages are outpacing inflation, which could benefit workers. He cited recent data indicating that wage income has increased by 5.3 percent, while the core personal consumption deflator, a key inflation measure, stands at 2.7 percent. This means that, for many Americans, take-home pay is exceeding price increases, potentially providing a cushion against rising costs.
As Trump continues to advocate for policies aimed at reducing prices, he emphasizes energy costs as a critical factor. He believes that lowering energy prices will have a broad impact on overall affordability. “When energy comes down, everything… because it’s so much bigger than any other subject,” Trump stated in a recent interview.
Looking ahead, Trump’s economic strategy remains focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and making energy more affordable. With less than a year until the midterm elections, he will rely on the realization of economic improvements to bolster his campaign.
While Trump is gearing up for a renewed emphasis on affordability, he must navigate a range of issues. The upcoming election will test his ability to connect with voters on economic matters, which have emerged as the top concerns among the electorate. Listening to these concerns may prove crucial as both Trump and his political opponents prepare for a competitive electoral landscape.