Key facts
- President Donald Trump's net approval rating has fallen to -25.
- Consumer prices may have increased by 4.2% annually in May.
- Inflation reached its highest point in three years in April.
- Congress has passed resolutions that could block President Trump from continuing hostilities in Iran.
- A significant portion of President Trump's MAGA base opposes placing his face on a proposed $250 bill.
- Existing laws prohibit living persons on currency.
- Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jared Leto, and Adam Sandler declined invitations to a White House UFC event.
- The Cook Political Report moved the Iowa Senate race rating to 'lean Republican'.
- State Rep. Josh Turek secured the Democratic nomination in Iowa with nearly 63% of the vote.
- A major US city is implementing a surcharge on taxi rides due to rising fuel costs.
President Donald Trump's net approval rating has fallen to a new low of -25, according to a poll by The Economist/YouGov, with voter concerns centering on the economy and the ongoing conflict in Iran. These economic pressures, particularly rising gas prices exacerbated by the Iran war, are creating headwinds for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Consumer prices are expected to have jumped significantly in May, potentially reaching a 4.2% annual increase, driven by surging oil and gas costs. This persistent inflation puts pressure on the Federal Reserve, shifting expectations towards a rate hike. A top economic advisor to Donald Trump claimed inflation is decreasing, but recent data indicates it reached its highest point in three years in April. The economic consequences of the Iran conflict, including elevated gas prices, could negatively impact Republican chances in the midterms, as global energy markets may take months to normalize even after a resolution.
In Congress, resolutions have been passed by both the House and Senate that could block President Trump from continuing hostilities in Iran, representing a significant bipartisan move. However, these measures face hurdles, including the possibility of a presidential veto. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that President Trump is close to appointing a permanent intelligence chief, which could ease concerns that have jeopardized the renewal of a key surveillance law. Meanwhile, a major US city is implementing a surcharge on taxi rides due to rising fuel costs, marking the first increase in base taxi rates in nearly a decade. A Financial Times poll reveals growing voter dissatisfaction with Donald Trump's approach to inflation and rising grocery prices. A report indicates that one-third of Trump voters are unhappy with his handling of Iran and the economy, challenging the perception of an unmovable base, though some voters in west-central Ohio remain firmly in his camp.
Further complicating the landscape, a significant portion of President Trump's MAGA base opposes placing his face on a proposed $250 bill, with 26% opposing and 26% unsure, despite his 91% approval rating among the group. Existing laws prohibit living persons on currency. In entertainment news, celebrities including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jared Leto, and Adam Sandler have declined invitations to Donald Trump's UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled to be held at the White House. In political forecasting, Republican strategist Karl Rove suggested that Democratic advantages in midterm election polls might not translate into a 'blue wave,' citing a Marquette poll showing a 1-point Democratic advantage. The Cook Political Report has shifted its rating of the Iowa Senate race from 'likely Republican' to 'lean Republican' following State Rep. Josh Turek securing the Democratic nomination with nearly 63% of the vote.