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With less than a year until the Midterms, the President don’t know if his promised effects of the tariffs will kick in in time for the American people to feel the boost.
2026 will be a pivotal year for the Trump administration.
First of all, the current push to bring peace to Ukraine is unlikely to yield any results before the new year, and the negotiations will therefore continue after 2025 turns to 2026.
But 2026 is also an election year in the U.S., as the midterms are coming in November, when Trump will try to keep the majority in both the Senate and the House.
However, that might not be possible, as Americans are feeling the pinch of inflation, layoffs, and uncertainty, especially regarding the Trump-imposed tariffs.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that things will get worse before they get better, arguing that the tariffs and economic policies of the administration will take time to materialize into prosperity for U.S. citizens.
But now, even the POTUS is starting to doubt whether the tides will turn in time for the midterms.
“I can’t tell you”
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump has acknowledged uncertainty over whether Republicans can retain control of the House of Representatives in next year’s midterm elections, pointing to the delayed effects of his economic agenda.
According to Reuters, Trump told the Journal he could not predict the election outcome because key parts of his economic programme have yet to fully reach households and businesses.
“I can’t tell you. I don’t know when all of this money is going to kick in,” he said when asked whether Republicans might lose the House in November.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters about the interview.
Trump has consistently defended his policies, including sweeping tariffs on imports, arguing they are driving job creation, lifting stock markets, and encouraging investment in the United States.
Political pressure builds
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump’s overall approval rating edging up to 41%, but support for his handling of the cost of living lagged at 31%. Democrats have recently secured wins in state and local races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, where affordability featured prominently.
Administration officials say Trump plans to campaign next year, promoting tax cuts and tariffs as measures that will “put more money in the pockets of American families.”
Inflation and prices
Reuters reported that after campaigning last year on a pledge to curb inflation, Trump has recently sent mixed messages on affordability, at times dismissing concerns, at other moments blaming former president Joe Biden, while also promising relief next year.
“I think by the time we have to talk about the election, which is in another few months, I think our prices are in good shape,” Trump told the Journal.
Last month, the administration rolled back tariffs on more than 200 food items following consumer anxiety over grocery costs, the Journal reported.
Trump did not indicate whether further tariff reductions were planned.
Sources: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal
