Overview
- New polling reported by Politico shows 46% of respondents say the cost of living is the worst they can remember, including sizable shares of 2024 Trump voters who blame the president.
- Senate Republican Leader John Thune acknowledged the party has not messaged effectively on affordability, even as GOP strategists warn the issue could damage midterm prospects.
- House Republicans blocked the ROAD to Housing Act after it advanced unanimously from a Senate committee, and the final NDAA package omitted the housing provisions following House objections.
- President Trump has labeled affordability concerns a “hoax,” complicating GOP efforts to present a coherent plan on prices, health care, and housing.
- Top Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio urged Republicans to move on prescription drug and housing costs, citing affordability as a key factor in a recent close Tennessee House special election.