Rising living costs threaten Republicans as midterms approach

Persistent inflation is putting Republicans on the defensive ahead of the midterm elections as voters confront higher living costs despite President Donald Trump's promises to bring prices down, according to The Korea Times.

The pressure on household budgets is giving Democrats a campaign opening as Republicans face the possibility of losing control of Congress. Interviews cited by The Korea Times suggest some voters are shifting toward Democrats, though others remain supportive of Republicans.

Inflation reached 3.7% last month, compared with 3% when Trump began his second term, according to The Korea Times. The newspaper reported that consumer prices had outpaced paychecks over the preceding 12 months.

Fuel and housing costs are adding to the strain. Filling a basic Ford F-150 now costs about $100, roughly $30 more than a year earlier, the report said. Record diesel prices are raising shipping and farming expenses, while higher mortgage rates have depressed home sales.

Trump has imposed double-digit tariffs on numerous trading partners, including the European Union, India, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Voters cited in the article blamed tariffs and the ongoing war with Iran for higher costs. The report also noted that Trump had signed broad income tax cuts into law.

Democrats are using advertisements and rallies to tie household financial pressure to Republican policies and accuse the party of favoring wealthy donors, The Korea Times reported. Some voters interviewed said they had switched to Democrats or were considering doing so.

Trump continues to offer a positive assessment of the economy. But Stephen Moore, a former economic adviser to Trump, said voters' financial stress shapes their views, according to the newspaper. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, similarly pointed to concern about both prices and pay failing to keep pace.

The dissatisfaction is not universal. Renee Blood, a Texas voter and executive assistant interviewed by The Korea Times, said she considered things more affordable despite fluctuating gasoline prices, underscoring the differing economic assessments among voters.