From NBC News · The Politics Desk · · 2m
Republicans lose their economic edge with voters
Trump and the GOP's traditional advantage on the economy has vanished heading into the midterms.
In brief
Trump and the GOP's traditional advantage on the economy has vanished heading into the midterms. Democrats now tie Republicans on economic trust for the first time since 2017, erasing a 15-19 point GOP advantage from previous elections. Originally reported by NBC News.
Trump's economic advantage evaporates
A new NBC News poll shows 39% of voters trust Democrats on the economy versus 38% for Republicans, erasing a 15-point GOP edge from 2018.
The shift from 2024 is dramatic
In 2024, 53% of voters trusted Trump more on the economy than Kamala Harris. Voters who ranked the economy as their top issue favored Trump 81%-18%.
Voters blame Trump for economic pain
55% of voters say Trump's policies have hurt the economy, while 26% say they've helped. This represents a 16-point deterioration since March.
Inflation and prices dominate concerns
28% of voters cite inflation and cost of living as the most important issue facing the country, with another 9% naming jobs and the economy.
Iran war and high prices hurt GOP
Voters have soured on Trump and Republicans amid the ongoing Iran war and stubbornly high prices at the gas pump and grocery store.
A shield is now gone
The economy has historically protected Republicans even when facing headwinds. Losing this advantage weakens their position heading into midterms where they're fighting to keep control of Congress.
Musk stays quiet in Texas race
Elon Musk is quietly backing Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race against Democrat James Talarico, but GOP strategists want him to keep a low profile.
Wisconsin lesson haunts Republicans
Musk's high-profile 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign backfired when the conservative candidate lost by 10 points, making Republicans wary of his visibility.
Texas Senate race tightens
A Dallas poll shows Democrat James Talarico at 46% and Republican Ken Paxton at 43%, within the margin of error with 8% undecided.
Democrats may weaponize Musk
Republicans fear Democrats will use Musk as a boogeyman if he raises his profile in Texas or other battleground races.
The key point
Democrats now tie Republicans on economic trust for the first time since 2017, erasing a 15-19 point GOP advantage from previous elections.
