Republicans Criticize Trump for Overlooking Economic Issues

As the midterm elections loom, tensions among Republicans on Capitol Hill are running high. Many are frustrated with Donald Trump’s apparent lack of focus on the economy, warning that this oversight could jeopardize the already slim GOP majority in Congress.

Recent polls reflect a growing discontent among voters towards Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. This sentiment is particularly concerning as the November elections approach, a pivotal moment that could shape the President’s legislative agenda moving forward.

Beyond the economic concerns, senior aides have pointed out other strategic missteps. These include the controversial nomination of Bill Pulte, a staunch ally of Trump, to head the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the administration’s concentrated efforts on the anti-weaponization fund.

The latest Economist/YouGov survey paints a stark picture: 63 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic management, and nearly 60 percent believe the economy is worsening. These figures underscore the growing economic anxiety among the electorate.

Adding to these woes, the ongoing conflict with Iran has driven up oil prices, affecting the cost of everyday goods. This, coupled with a reported 4.2 percent inflation rate—marking a three-year high—has fueled public concern over economic stability.

‘I love the inflation,’ Trump flippantly said in the Oval Office this week when pressed on whether he’s concerned about Americans facing higher costs. 

Behind closed doors on Capitol Hill, Trump’s disregard for the turbulent economy – and focus on niche personal issues – has infuriated some working to sell his MAGA agenda. 

‘People are pissed the f*** off that prices are too high and things are too expensive,’ a senior GOP Senate aide told the Daily Mail. 

‘It doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of focus on affordability going into the midterms when that’s the number one issue that people care about – how can they afford gas, groceries and healthcare.’ 

Donald Trump, shown seated between a group of congressional Republicans this week, has expressed frustration with his allies in Congress for not working harder on his pet projects, like his anti-weaponization fund

Meanwhile, lawmakers are concerned the President’s focus on niche issues, such as his ballroom construction project, could cost them in the midterms

‘People are pissed the f*** off that prices are too high and things are too expensive,’ a senior GOP Senate aide told the Daily Mail. ‘I’m just not sure the President really cares, or if he’s really in tune with what’s going on on Capitol Hill’

The aide continued: ‘I’m just not sure the President really cares, or if he’s really in tune with what’s going on on Capitol Hill.’ 

Trump’s controversial selection of Pulte came the same week Republicans and Democrats on the Hill were locked in tough negotiations over the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).  

‘Why would he announce a controversial figure for acting DNI when you know we’re trying to push FISA over the finish line?’ the senior aide questioned. 

While Trump has focused on setting up an Ultimate Fighting Championship match at the White House on his birthday, securing funding for his White House ballroom and an ‘anti-weaponization’ fund for his allies, incumbents feel left in the lurch. 

‘Between the Pulte nominations and anti-weaponization fund, the White House has definitely gone rogue and instead pushed priorities without talking to Congressional leadership, particularly Leader [John] Thune,’ a second senior GOP aide told the Daily Mail.

‘We’re begging the White House to focus on issues to help Republicans in the midterms, but it feels like it’s falling on deaf ears.’ 

Trump is also reportedly irate with ‘everyone, from his own team to the Senate,’ according to Politico. 

Trump’s short-lived nomination of his ally Bill Pulte, shown above, to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence frustrated many of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill 

Fuel prices are seen at a gas station in Decatur, Georgia, with a sticker blaming President Donald Trump for high fuel prices, seen Saturday, June 6, 2026

Trump’s war with Iran has also forced oil prices to rise, causing pain at the pumps for Republican voters

He is frustrated that Republicans in Congress have opposed his weaponization fund, his ballroom funding and his calls to fire the Senate Parliamentarian. 

The frustration is mutual and runs in both directions.

‘The President’s fiery public demands of Congress often seem disconnected from his staff’s more deferential posture when dealing with GOP leadership and moderates, resulting in some wild swings in who gets thrown under the bus week by week,’ a third senior GOP congressional aide shared.

The odds for Republicans to hold onto control in the Senate are nearly a toss-up. 

According to prediction market Kalshi, Republicans have a 55 percent chance of holding onto their Senate majority. Democrats need to flip four seats to win control. 

The picture is even bleaker for Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Democrats are the heavy favorite to gain control over the House in the midterms, according to Kalshi, which gives them an 80 percent chance of having a majority.  

‘Speaker Johnson has relied so heavily on Trump to lead the conference and clean up his messes that it’s no wonder Trump has taken more of an active role in dictating what he wants to see from Congress,’ a senior GOP House aide shared. 

‘Is it good for the institution? Not really, but Speaker Johnson is the one to blame for weakening the speakership.’ 

Trump has also attacked some incumbent GOP Senators he deemed as not loyal enough, resulting in their ousters. 

This has rocked the caucus and has now given some sitting Senators reason to buck Trump’s agenda. 

‘If our coalition falls apart, we will not be able to advance the President’s priorities,’ a fourth Senate GOP aide shared.