Confronting Iran while also promoting lower domestic prices creates a challenging scenario for President Donald Trump. But this, after all, is the United States—one can multitask, right?
So far, the president appears to be making the right moves. He’s released oil from the strategic reserve and is looking at suspending the Jones Act. Adding naval escorts and U.S.-provided insurance for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz should help maintain the oil supply.
If he manages to end the conflict quickly, we might see gas prices stabilize before the midterms. Should he succeed in curbing Iran’s influence and redirecting oil exports to the West instead of China, prices could drop even further.
Meanwhile, Trump has been traveling the country to promote his efforts in reducing the cost of living. He’s rolled back taxes on tips and overtime pay, lowered drug prices through various initiatives, and seen moderate inflation, along with cutting mortgage rates and investing tremendously in job creation within the U.S. economy. Those are pretty significant achievements, but it’s not a time for complacency.
There needs to be a forward-looking agenda that reassures voters that financial relief is ongoing and that the best is still ahead.
Crafting proposals that resonate with voters is essential. Addressing primary concerns like housing, groceries, and child care would be a good start. If Congress gets involved, that would add even more weight to the upcoming November ballot.
To retain support from his base amid ongoing conflicts, Trump should collaborate with Congress to pass the Pathway to 21st Century Housing Act, which aims to make housing more affordable by streamlining construction processes.
Rejecting this bill based on Republican skeptics in the House could damage the party’s image as a proponent of affordability. Unfortunately, that critique is grounded in solid concerns.
The proposal would limit investors from constructing new “build-to-rent” (BTR) single-family homes, which many families depend on to live in larger spaces rather than apartments. This is problematic, especially during a time when overall housing construction is already struggling.
If the intent is truly to enhance housing supply and lower costs, the bill needs to deliver rather than produce mixed outcomes.
It’s true that BTR might not fulfill the ideal of home ownership. However, they could provide young couples with the necessary space to start families right away, rather than deferring those plans for years while saving.
Additionally, Trump should think about putting cash directly into parents’ hands as soon as feasible. Initiatives like the Household Income Supplemental Credit (FISC) propose boosting the child tax credit through monthly cash distributions—$800 a month during the second half of pregnancy, $400 from birth to age six, and $250 from ages six to 18.
Parents with underage children played a significant role in Trump’s voter base during the last election, having voted for him while Biden had initially lost their support by nine points. Engaging this demographic, which plays a crucial part in shaping future generations, would greatly benefit the Republican Party in 2026 and beyond.
In conclusion, Trump could swiftly improve his standing without needing Congress’s help simply by addressing some of the challenges arising from his predecessor’s pricing strategies.
The Biden administration’s choice for the Federal Trade Commission has raised concerns among many businesses. Lina Khan’s push has penalized successful American companies through outdated regulations.
Two legal actions against Pepsi and Southern Glazers, which cited old laws against bulk pricing for major clients, could end up inflating prices at popular retailers like Walmart and Costco. One lawsuit has already been dismissed, but the other remains pending. President Trump should advocate for its dismissal, which could resonate well with working families when he emphasizes, “I saved Costco!”
Dealing with Iran is undoubtedly intricate, especially so close to the midterms. However, voters might be forgiving of short-term difficulties if President Trump can ensure a steady oil supply, aim for a swift resolution to conflicts, and maintain a focus on affordability—especially if it leads to greater global stability.
