Trump rallies Republicans as rising costs dominate US midterm campaign
With more than 30 million ballots already cast, Republicans face pressure over fuel prices and voter enthusiasm, while federal court rulings challenge the administration’s attempts to intervene in state election processes.
US President Donald Trump intensified his campaign for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections on Monday, acknowledging the political stakes of a contest in which rising living costs, the economic impact of the Iran war and disputes over election administration have become prominent issues.
At a rally in Mississippi, Trump appeared alongside Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, arguing that his administration’s economic record and stock market performance supported the party’s case for re-election. His presence in the traditionally Republican state nevertheless underscored concerns about voter enthusiasm and the possibility that previously secure seats could become competitive. Trump also defended the prolonged conflict with Iran, describing higher petrol prices as temporary despite growing concern about their impact on households.
Economic pressure is emerging as a central campaign issue. CNN reported that voters and small-business owners in Nevada remained concerned about day-to-day expenses, with some questioning whether the administration’s economic promises had translated into lower costs. Vice-President JD Vance, campaigning in Kansas, sought to attribute higher fuel prices to instability in the Middle East and criticised Democratic policies. The competing explanations reflect the political challenge of separating domestic economic performance from the consequences of an international conflict.
Election administration has also become a focus of legal disputes. A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s emergency effort to require California to set aside approximately 20,000 ballots from people it claims are noncitizens. The ruling represents a setback for the Justice Department’s attempt to intervene in state election procedures. Separately, a federal judge in Alaska moved towards an expedited review of a Justice Department lawsuit seeking to block certification of a Senate race, after concerns were raised about two candidates with similar names appearing on the ballot.
Early voting is already substantial. Data collected by CNN, the Associated Press and Catalist from 47 states and the District of Columbia showed that more than 30 million ballots had been cast, several days ahead of the pace recorded in 2022. The figure signals a high level of early participation, although it does not by itself establish which party will benefit.
The combination of economic dissatisfaction, close Senate contests and legal challenges makes the final campaign stretch consequential for both parties. Republicans are seeking to defend their congressional position while promoting Trump’s economic and foreign-policy record; Democrats are attempting to turn voter frustration into electoral gains. The results will depend on how those concerns translate into turnout and votes across individual states and districts.
Sources: Associated Press — Trump rallies in Mississippi as Republicans face midterm challenges, Associated Press — Inflation threatens Republican prospects ahead of the midterms, The Washington Post — Appeals court allows California ballots to be counted for now, Los Angeles Times — Appeals court rejects emergency request over 20,000 ballots, Reuters — Key questions about the 2026 US midterm elections, and Reuters analysis — Iran war and tariffs put pressure on household budgets.
