Inflation Threatens Republican Control Of Congress

Inflation is threatening Republican control of Congress as voters weigh rising household costs. A week before the November 3 midterm elections, voters were judging President Trump’s economic record and Republican majorities. Trump had promised lower costs, including gas, but consumer prices rose faster than paychecks over the past 12 months. The U.S. war with Iran, which Trump launched with Israel on February 28, disrupted oil supplies; Trump said it was needed to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Trump called the country in a “golden age” and affordability a Democratic “con job.” Gasoline averaged about $4.29 a gallon in late October. Elections are approaching, and Trump said prices would fall when conflict ended.