Trump's Midterm Boasts Collide With Inflation Data and GOP Leaks

A new Consumer Price Index report shows prices rose 3.7 percent year-over-year, contradicting President Donald Trump's claims that costs are falling, as Republicans privately concede the House is likely lost and blame him for the party's midterm outlook. The October 15 report, the last before the election, showed the largest monthly price increase in five months, driven largely by gas prices. Polls show Democrats leading the generic House ballot by 8.6 points and ahead in several key Senate races, while Republican campaign committees are shifting funds from competitive states like Georgia and North Carolina to safer ones, signaling panic. Trump's approval rating stands at 30 percent, near Nixon-era lows, and Republicans are publicly distancing themselves from his policies without naming him, such as in a Michigan ad criticizing tariffs. Analysts suggest Democrats could gain a Senate majority, with competitive races in Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Kansas.