Overview

• A conservative polling memo distributed on Capitol Hill reports 25% of voters rank inflation as the most important issue, more than double the next concern.
• An Economist/YouGov survey finds costs are voters’ top issue, only 34% approve of President Trump’s handling of inflation, and most expect it to be the same or worse in six months.
• GOP strategists are urging 2026 candidates to center their messages on prices and to promote the party’s legislative package as a plan to lower household costs.
• Sen. Thom Tillis says Republicans have only a few months to demonstrate improvement on inflation before midterm economic perceptions harden.
• Economists warn tariffs and ending the de minimis import exemption are beginning to lift some prices—citing a 40% July jump in vegetables—as the administration projects over $10 billion in new tariff revenue, while the White House counters with examples of recent declines in gas and other essentials.