Here’s whats going on behind the scenes.
President Donald Trump is reportedly growing more irritated with Republicans in Congress, as many voters continue to feel the pinch of rising prices and everyday expenses. According to former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Trump’s frustration has little to do with policy—and everything to do with how poorly some GOP lawmakers are communicating the president’s economic agenda.
Priebus told ABC’s This Week that Trump is unhappy with weak Republican messaging at a time when affordability remains a top concern for millions of American families, especially seniors on fixed incomes.
Priebus: GOP “Not Where It Needs to Be” on Affordability
“What’s making him cranky is that some of the messaging on the Republican side just isn’t where it needs to be,” Priebus explained. He added that while Trump’s economic plans take time to show results, Republicans are getting hammered on the cost-of-living crisis—and voters expect more urgency.
The president has pushed forward bold reforms since returning to office, including his broad tariff plan and the tax-and-budget package he signed into law in July. Trump has repeatedly said these policies are designed to lower costs, rebuild American jobs, and end the inflationary mess left behind by Joe Biden.
Americans Still Feeling the Bite of Biden-Era Inflation
Despite Trump’s efforts, federal numbers show prices remain elevated after the Biden administration’s economic failures. In September alone:
- Overall consumer prices rose 3% from the previous year
- Food prices jumped 3.1%
- Energy prices increased 2.8%
Economists note that many companies are still passing down Biden-era inflation and tariff-adjustment costs to consumers—a burden that hits retirees and middle-class families the hardest.
Democrats have seized on affordability concerns in recent governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey, along with the New York City mayoral election, hoping to distract from their own economic mismanagement.
Trump Fires Back: “Biden Caused the Affordability Crisis”
President Trump has not held back. He has repeatedly called Democrats’ talking points a political “con job” designed to shift blame away from Biden’s economic disasters.
“Biden caused the AFFORDABILITY CRISIS. I’M FIXING IT—along with everything else,” Trump posted on Truth Social, directly linking today’s higher costs to Biden’s reckless spending and weak leadership.
Polls Show Trump Still Holding Support Despite Economic Headwinds
According to the latest Decision Desk HQ polling average:
- Trump’s approval rating stands at 42.7%
- His disapproval rating is 53.3%
While the president faces criticism from within the GOP, polling shows that many conservatives—especially older voters—still trust Trump far more than Democrats to handle the economy, reduce inflation, and restore financial stability.