Voters prepare to weigh-in on Trump's economy as costs continue to surge

Two weeks before Election Day, the cost of gasoline, rent and housing is shaping up as the central test of the economy in the 2026 midterms, and it is a difficult one for President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans. Trump returned to office pledging to lower costs and is now campaigning for GOP candidates, yet Fox News reports that prices keep climbing, leaving open whether voters think Republicans have done enough for their finances.

The newest Consumer Price Index release shows consumer prices up 3.7% across the past year, including 0.6% in September alone. The gasoline index leapt 9.1% over that month. Diesel has also grown more expensive, and because it powers trucks, farm equipment and freight trains, the higher cost has spread into groceries, packages and building materials.

Global fuel markets are tight as well. Fighting involving Iran has interfered with ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and damage to Russian energy facilities has added to the strain. With colder weather coming, household utility bills are rising too: in September, electricity cost 4.4% more than a year before, and piped natural gas service cost 5% more. The index measures prices generally, not what any particular household paid.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →