Economy Sinks Trump’s Midterm Hopes

Voters oppose Trump’s handling of the economy. That opposition is well established, despite his attempts to deflect blame. Political polarization has weakened and confused the link between the economy and US elections. But it has not erased it. The numbers tell the story. In September 2024, near the end of Joe Biden’s presidency, 65% of Republicans said the US economy was getting worse. About six months later, after Donald Trump launched a global trade war with his “liberation day” tariffs, that share fell to 33%. The economy remains a central issue as the midterm elections approach.