Trump predicts 2026 midterms will hinge on 'pricing' as he touts economic cleanup

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, December 26, said economic ‘pricing’ will be the central issue of the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that voters are beginning to see cost relief under his administration.

In an interview with POLITICO, Trump said his economic message will focus on lowering everyday costs, framing the issue as a contrast with conditions, he said, existed under former President Joe Biden.

Trump expressed confidence that falling prices will shape voter sentiment as Republicans prepare for a competitive midterm cycle with control of Congress at stake.

We're bringing pricest down, claims Trump

Trump told POLITICO that he expects voters to focus on what he described as improvements in the economy.

"I think it’s going to be about the success of our country. It’ll be about pricing," Trump said. "Because, you know, they gave us high pricing, and we’re bringing it down.:

He pointed to energy costs as a key indicator, saying gasoline and utility prices have declined. "Energy’s way down. Gasoline is way down,: Trump said.

He added that lower fuel costs naturally reduce electricity prices.

"Electricity is down. It’s way down," Trump said. "When the gasoline goes down and when the oil and oil and gas go down, the electricity comes down naturally."

Economic wins vs public struggle

Trump’s comments come as recent government data showed the US economy grew at an annualized rate of 4.3% in the third quarter.

Inflation slowed to 2.7% in November, marking its smallest year-over-year increase since July.

Despite those indicators, surveys suggest many Americans remain financially strained.

A recent POLITICO/Public First poll found that nearly half of respondents said they continue to struggle with the cost of essentials, including groceries, housing, and health care.

'Get rid of the filibuster'

Trump also used the interview to again call for eliminating the Senate filibuster, arguing that the rule prevents lawmakers from advancing key legislation.

With a potential government shutdown approaching at the end of January, Trump said the filibuster complicates efforts to govern efficiently.

"The filibuster is hurting the Republican Party," Trump said, adding that it should be removed ‘without question.’

He argued that ending the rule would prevent shutdowns and allow Congress to move forward on major policy priorities.

"If you get rid of the filibuster, you’re not going to have a shutdown," Trump said. "You can do everything."

Clash with Senate GOP

Trump’s remarks place him at odds with Senate Republican leadership, including Majority Leader John Thune, who has defended the filibuster as a safeguard for minority rights in the chamber.

Thune and other GOP senators have said the rule encourages bipartisan cooperation and stability.

Trump, however, said eliminating the filibuster would clear the way for Republican priorities ahead of the midterms, including voter identification legislation.

The debate over the filibuster is expected to intensify as Congress faces looming budget deadlines and election-year pressures.