President Donald Trump acknowledged that he isn’t certain his economic policies will help Republicans at the polls in 2026.
In a Wall Street Journal interview published late Saturday, Trump pointed to large investment pledges he says he has secured since returning to the White House. Asked whether Republicans could lose control of the House in next year’s midterm elections, he replied, “I can’t tell you. I don’t know when all of this money is going to kick in,” adding that forecasts point to the second quarter.
Trump has previously claimed that as much as $21 trillion in investment is flowing into the United States, though more recent commitments fall far short of that figure.
Still, he cited several major promises tied to trade agreements and diplomatic efforts: the European Union has pledged $600 billion in investment, Japan $550 billion, and South Korea $350 billion. Separately, Saudi Arabia has promised $1 trillion. Companies have also announced plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars, though some of those plans include spending that was already in motion during the Biden administration.
Even with questions about timing—and how much of the pledged money will ultimately be spent—companies have emphasized the need to diversify supply chains and expand domestic production. Apple has said its $600 billion pledge to build U.S. factories will create a “domino effect” that boosts manufacturing across the country.
At the same time, Wall Street expects Trump’s tax cuts under his One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver a significant fiscal boost next year, potentially accelerating GDP growth.
That economic bet comes as voters signaled in last month’s off-year elections that affordability remains their top concern. Inflation has eased from its 2022 peak, but prices are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, and consumers have grown frustrated with rising insurance, electricity, and grocery costs. Even many Trump voters say the cost of living is a serious problem.
Trump has dismissed the affordability debate as a Democratic “hoax” and insists prices are already down. He told the Journal he plans to lower prices.
“I think by the time we have to talk about the election, which is in another few months, I think our prices are in good shape,” Trump said.
“I’ve created the greatest economy in history. But it may take people a while to figure all these things out,” he added. “All this money that’s pouring into our country is building things right now—car plants, AI, lots of stuff. I cannot tell you how that’s going to equate to the voter, all I can do is do my job.”
Trump has floated several ideas aimed at easing affordability pressures, including a 50-year mortgage to reduce monthly payments and $2,000 “dividend” checks. He has also continued to push the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, despite concerns that doing so could reignite inflation, and has rolled back tariffs on some food imports.
In the interview, Trump did not say whether he would reduce tariffs on other goods. He also warned that if the Supreme Court strikes down his global tariffs, alternative approaches would be less effective.
“I can do other things, but it’s not as fast. It’s not as good for national security,” Trump added.
