This Republican has lost her mind.
Former Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia is sharply criticizing President Donald Trump as the 2026 midterm elections approach, arguing that his decisions over the summer have made life more difficult for Republican candidates.
During a Sunday appearance on MS NOW’s “The Weekend,” Comstock claimed Trump “did everything he could to help Republicans lose” during a crucial stretch of the campaign.
Her comments come as voters continue to focus on some of the biggest issues affecting American households, including gasoline prices, mortgage rates, inflation, the economy and the ongoing war with Iran.
Former Republican Blames Trump for GOP Midterm Trouble
Comstock argued that elections can be shaped months before voters actually head to the polls.
“I think elections are won in the summer,” she said, before accusing Trump of creating political problems for Republicans during that period.
She pointed to three major concerns: the war with Iran, rising fuel prices and mortgage rates near 7 percent.
Comstock’s comments represent her own political assessment, but they highlight the economic pressures that could influence voters heading into the November midterm elections.
High Gas Prices Put Pressure on American Families
Energy prices have become one of the most visible economic concerns for consumers.
The national average price for regular gasoline was approximately $4.48 per gallon Monday, according to AAA, compared with roughly $3.13 a year earlier.
That increase can have an especially noticeable impact on families, retirees, farmers, truck drivers and small-business owners who depend heavily on transportation.
Higher fuel costs can also spread throughout the economy because businesses often face increased shipping and transportation expenses.
For voters living on fixed incomes, even modest increases at the gas pump can add significant pressure to monthly household budgets.
Iran War Remains a Major Issue
Comstock also connected rising energy costs to the continuing conflict with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has faced major disruption amid the fighting.
Any prolonged interruption in that region can affect global oil supplies and contribute to volatility in crude oil and gasoline prices.
Some Republican lawmakers and candidates in Iowa, Michigan and Ohio have called for a quicker conclusion to the conflict as concerns grow over fuel costs and public support for the war.
The disagreement shows that foreign policy has become more than an international issue heading into the midterms. It is increasingly tied to household expenses and the broader U.S. economy.
Mortgage Rates Climb Above 7 Percent
Housing affordability is another major concern.
The average 30-year mortgage rate recently moved above 7 percent, marking the first time it had crossed that threshold since January 2025.
For Americans trying to purchase a home, even a small increase in mortgage rates can translate into hundreds of dollars in additional monthly payments.
High borrowing costs may also discourage existing homeowners from moving because many are reluctant to give up lower mortgage rates secured in previous years.
That combination can make housing affordability an especially important issue for middle-class families and older Americans approaching retirement.
Trump Approval Rating Draws Attention Before Midterms
Comstock’s criticism comes as Trump faces weaker approval numbers in several national polls.
According to a Decision Desk HQ polling average cited Monday, Trump’s approval rating stood at approximately 39.4 percent, while 59.1 percent disapproved of his job performance.
Individual polls can vary based on methodology, timing and the voters surveyed, so no single number determines the political environment.
Still, presidential approval ratings are closely watched during midterm elections because voters sometimes use congressional races to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the party controlling the White House.
Republicans Face Tough Questions Heading Into November
Republicans are now confronting a complicated political environment.
The party must defend its record while addressing voter concerns about inflation, gasoline prices, interest rates, housing affordability and the war overseas.
At the same time, Trump remains the dominant figure in the Republican Party and continues to command significant loyalty from the MAGA base.
That creates an unusual challenge for GOP candidates who want to benefit from Trump’s political support while also responding to economic concerns from voters in competitive districts and states.
White House Pushes Back on Comstock’s Attack
The White House rejected the broader suggestion that Trump has damaged Republican prospects.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the president’s political strength, arguing that Trump has built one of the strongest political coalitions in modern American politics through the MAGA movement.
Ingle also said the president understands how to communicate directly with his supporters.
That response reflects the administration’s broader argument that Trump continues to motivate Republican voters even as critics question whether current economic and foreign-policy conditions could hurt the party.
Economy Could Decide the 2026 Midterms
Ultimately, the election will be decided by voters.
Comstock believes Trump’s decisions have created unnecessary political problems for Republicans.
The White House strongly disagrees.
Between now and Election Day, Americans are likely to hear competing arguments over who deserves credit — or blame — for the economy, gas prices, mortgage rates and the war with Iran.
For many voters, however, the most important question may be much simpler: Are their finances better or worse than they were a year ago?
That question could play a major role in determining control of Congress in November.