Trump Urges Midterm Referendum Amid Affordability Crisis

President Donald Trump is urging supporters to treat the November 3 midterm elections as a referendum on his presidency. Republicans are fighting to maintain slim majorities in the House and Senate, while Democrats seek net gains of four seats in each chamber to seize control. Trump's approval rating has fallen to 36 percent as voters express frustration over a war with Iran, immigration, and the administration's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Economic volatility defines the campaign. While the U.S. GDP is growing at a 3.4 percent annual rate, prices for gasoline, groceries, and health insurance have accelerated, outpacing wage gains. These pressures are linked to high import tariffs, a federal debt exceeding $40 trillion, and a nine-month conflict with Iran that has increased energy and shipping costs. Trump has dismissed affordability concerns as a "hoax" and claims the United States has entered an economic "golden age."

Regional conflicts are further complicating the races. A trade war with Canada is impacting key Senate contests in Maine and Michigan. In Alaska, the Justice Department has expanded a criminal investigation into Democratic candidate Mary Peltola and filed a lawsuit that could block the certification of results if incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan loses. Republicans currently hold the House 218-214 and the Senate 53-47, but polling indicates a shift in trust toward Democrats regarding economic management among independents, young people, and Hispanic voters.