Trump Faces Double Inflation Setback Before Midterms

President Donald Trump faced a second major inflation setback in two days as the Producer Price Index rose 1.3 percent in September, the largest monthly increase since March 2022, just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections. The report followed Wednesday's Consumer Price Index showing a 0.6 percent monthly increase and 3.7 percent annual rise, with experts warning inflationary pressure is reaching both businesses and households. Energy prices drove much of the increase, with producer gasoline surging 20.3 percent. Polls show the economy is the top voter concern, with 84 percent of voters rating it very important and only 22 percent approving of Trump's inflation handling. Producer food prices rose 1.2 percent, suggesting potential future consumer price increases.