Will Trump’s economy sink Republicans in the US midterm elections? Our reporters answered your questions

Voters head toward the November midterms angry about prices, and Guardian reporters fielded reader questions on how that mood could affect Republicans. Columnist Robert Reich, a former labor secretary, appeared on the Stateside podcast with hosts Kai Wright and Carter Sherman to explain the forces behind rising costs. A new Harris Poll for the Guardian found that close to two-thirds of respondents think the country is in a recession.

Independent voters appear to be souring on the president. Michael, a reporter, noted that Donald Trump's backing among independents fell from 43% during his 2024 campaign to 26% by April 2026. A YouGov survey from September put it at 23%. Harris polling of rural voters showed 70% saying the federal government worsened affordability this year, and 57% reporting trouble paying for groceries.

Reporter Heather described which of Trump's financial promises are materializing. About one million people should receive roughly $500 in health-related refunds, and 20 million seniors are due $90 checks, but the DOGE and tariff rebates never arrived. How a $5,000 payment to voters would be funded is unclear, since few GOP lawmakers back it.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →