President Donald Trump says the 2026 midterm elections will ultimately hinge on one issue that affects every American household: the cost of living.
In a recent interview, Trump argued that voters will judge the election based on whether prices continue to fall after years of economic strain under the previous administration. According to the president, Americans are already beginning to feel relief as his economic policies take hold.
“I think it’s going to be about the success of our country,” Trump said, stressing that his administration inherited sharply higher prices and has been working to bring them back down.
Trump pointed to declining energy prices, noting that lower gasoline and electricity costs play a direct role in easing financial pressure on families, seniors, and those living on fixed incomes.
“They gave us high pricing, and we’re bringing it down,” Trump said, adding that fuel costs have dropped significantly nationwide.
Over the past several weeks, new economic data has shown inflation continuing to cool, a development the White House has highlighted as Americans remain concerned about everyday expenses. Polling shows voters are still frustrated by the high cost of groceries, utilities, healthcare, housing, and transportation.
Trump has consistently blamed Democrats and the Biden administration for policies he says drove prices up in the first place, arguing that energy restrictions and excessive government spending hurt working Americans.
According to the president, lower oil and gas prices naturally lead to reduced electricity costs, creating relief across the economy.
“When gasoline and energy come down, everything else follows,” Trump said. “And it’s happening.”
Trump also pointed to recent GDP growth figures as evidence that the economy is rebounding under his leadership. A government report released this week showed the U.S. economy expanding at an annualized rate of 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025 — a number Trump called proof that his agenda is producing results.
Inflation has also slowed, with the Labor Department reporting a 2.7 percent annual increase in November, the lowest year-over-year rise seen in months.
Beyond the economy, Trump addressed growing concerns in Washington over a potential government shutdown early next year. He urged Senate Republicans to reconsider the filibuster, arguing that it has become an obstacle to conservative priorities.
“The filibuster is hurting the Republican Party,” Trump said, claiming its removal would allow Congress to pass key legislation more efficiently and avoid shutdowns.
Trump said eliminating the filibuster could pave the way for major reforms, including healthcare changes and voter ID laws, long supported by conservatives.
Some Senate Republicans, including party leadership, continue to defend the filibuster as a safeguard meant to encourage compromise. Still, the debate highlights broader tensions within the GOP as lawmakers look ahead to 2026.
With the midterm elections approaching, Trump appears determined to keep the spotlight on lower prices, economic growth, and energy costs, betting that voters — especially older Americans — will cast their ballots based on whether their financial situation has truly improved.