With just over three months until the critical US congressional midterm elections, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has launched a scathing attack on the Republican party, asserting they have “nothing to run on” due to President Donald Trump’s perceived failures on key campaign promises. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, Mr Jeffries, a New York congressman, highlighted what he described as the administration's inability to reduce living costs and its involvement in an overseas conflict.
Mr Jeffries criticised President Trump for failing to deliver on his 2024 presidential campaign pledge to lower costs for American families. He pointed to the significant rise in gas and grocery prices, which he attributed to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israeli militaries, and Iran, which commenced in February 2026. This conflict directly contradicts President Trump’s earlier promise to avoid “endless wars in the Middle East,” a stance he took during his re-election campaign.
The Democratic leader also dismissed Republican attempts to focus on a recent software error in New Jersey that led to the registration of 6,600 non-citizens, fewer than 400 of whom actually voted. Mr Jeffries suggested this was a deliberate distraction from the administration’s policy shortcomings, including the ongoing war in Iran, which has resulted in the deaths of 18 US service members and hundreds of injuries. He argued that the economic fallout from the conflict, coupled with earlier Republican cuts of over $1 trillion from Medicaid, a public health insurance programme, left the party without a credible platform.
The economic impact of the conflict and rising inflation is a major concern for American voters. Polling data indicates that 95% of Americans believe the US is currently experiencing an affordability crisis, directly impacting their daily lives through increased costs for essentials. Mr Jeffries emphasised that many Americans are “working hard – they’re playing by the rules, but they can’t thrive,” struggling to afford food, fuel, rent, and mortgage payments.
As the midterms approach, current forecasts from Decision Desk HQ suggest a potential shift in power. Democrats are anticipated to secure a majority in the House of Representatives, while Republicans are narrowly favoured to maintain control of the US Senate. The outcome will significantly shape the latter half of President Trump's second term, impacting legislative priorities and the political landscape.