Trump’s Economy Goes to the Polls
President Trump is encouraging Republicans to campaign on his economic record for the upcoming midterms, despite challenges like the war in Iran and trade disputes. Democrats are seeking to counter this by focusing on specific economic concerns like interest rates.
Why it matters
The midterm elections will serve as a critical referendum on the current administration's economic and foreign policy agenda.
Trump wants Republicans to run on his record in the midterms. Democrats do as well.
Jim Watson / AFP / Getty August 31, 2026, 9:22 PM ET Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 26:28
Midterm elections are almost always referendums on the policies of the party in power; President Trump is hoping that Republicans steer into the skid. Last week, my colleagues reported that the president—dogged by the war in Iran, the trade war with Canada, and an economy that has Americans dipping into their savings for groceries and daily expenses—hopes that Republicans seeking to win reelection or gain seats will use his time in office to sway voters.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in