ECONOMYSPLIT VIEWS10/05/26

Trump Economy Polling vs. Data

Polls show voters blame Trump for high prices as midterms approach, even as some economic indicators remain strong.

Photo: RedState

DIFFERENT FOCUS

Axios emphasized Polling-Data Disconnect; Breitbart News emphasized Polls vs. Economic Reality.

LEFT FOCUS

▸Economic data is relatively strong, but Trump's economic polling keeps worsening. — Axios
▸The administration appears to lack a clear plan to reverse its slide on voters' top issue. — Axios
▸Lower-end wages rising is cited as evidence the K-shaped economy is ending. — Axios

RIGHT FOCUS

▸Roughly 65% of those polled blamed high prices directly on Trump's policies. — Breitbart News
▸67% of Republicans said higher prices resulted from factors beyond the president's control. — Breitbart News
▸In 2022, 87% of Democrats said higher prices were beyond Biden's control, per the same poll. — Breitbart News

September CPI Hits 3.7%

September consumer prices rose 0.6% monthly and 3.7% annually, the fastest pace in five months.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 14: Economists expect September consumer prices to rise 0.6% monthly and 3.6% year-over-year, driven by energy costs.

Thursday: September CPI confirmed at 3.7% annually, up from 3.6% prior

Left: Rising prices squeeze everyday Americans hardest.

Right: Inflation surge spells trouble for Trump, GOP.

Inflation rose to 3.7% in September, the last CPI report before midterm elections.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 14: Economists expect September consumer prices to rise 0.6% monthly and 3.6% year-over-year, driven by energy costs.

Sunday: September CPI report confirms 3.7% annual inflation rate

Left: Prices hit everyday Americans on essentials.

Right: Rising prices spell trouble for Trump's party.

Treasury Department fined Bank of America over $1.2 billion for sanctions and anti-money laundering violations

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The US Treasury fined Bank of America $1.2 billion for anti-money laundering and sanctions violations.

Sunday: Treasury fine now cites Chinese money laundering networks

Left: Third-largest Treasury penalty ever imposed.

Right: Tied to Chinese networks and border criminals.

Trump signs executive order waiving Russia sanctions and tariffs mandated by the Graham Act.

Left: Sanctions targeting Russia's Ukraine war dropped early

Right: Graham Act halted in name of national interest