US President Donald Trump has predicted that Republicans will perform better than expected in Tuesday’s midterm elections, defending his administration’s economic record despite persistent concerns among voters about the cost of living.
Speaking in a morning interview with on Election Day, Trump declared that inflation had been resolved and that the country was performing well under his leadership. “I think the results are going to be better than you think,” he said, expressing confidence in Republican candidates as they compete to retain control of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Trump also described the United States as a country that had regained international respect, contrasting his administration with the situation before he returned to office.
“Well, we have to keep America great. We’re great now. We were terrible two years ago. We were laughing stock all over the world. The leaders of other countries didn’t even take us seriously. They thought we were fools. And we’re hot now.”
Donald Trump
He cited falling oil prices, the administration’s naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and his economic policies as evidence of what he described as the country’s improving position.
“You saw oil came down $10 – a record yesterday. Dropped $10, and the Hormuz Strait, we have total control of it with the Navy blockade. I mean, everything’s going good. Everybody respects us again.”
Donald Trump
He also highlighted provisions in his One Big Beautiful Bill, including the elimination of taxes on tips, and claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping had praised his achievements during their September meeting.
Economic Concerns Challenge Trump’s Claims
Trump’s positive assessment of the economy contrasts with concerns among voters over rising household expenses, including groceries, fuel and healthcare.
Inflation was reported at 3.7 per cent annually, compared with 3 per cent when Trump began his second term. The President did not directly address those price concerns during his interview, instead highlighting immigration enforcement and growth in US manufacturing.
His economic message has become a central issue in the midterm campaign, particularly because reducing living costs was one of his major promises during the 2024 presidential election.
Trump’s approval ratings have also remained under pressure. According to CNN’s Poll of Polls, his average approval rating stood at approximately 34 per cent, while an October CNN poll placed it at 32 per cent. The same poll found that 73 per cent of respondents disapproved of his handling of the economy.
Although Trump pointed to falling oil prices as evidence of progress, fuel costs remain a concern for American motorists. AAA figures cited in the campaign coverage placed the average price of regular petrol at $4.15 per gallon and diesel at $6.29.
Trump also addressed opposition to the construction of data centres in residential communities, suggesting that financial compensation could help secure public support.
“Pay the people. Let them be happy. Give them $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 each.”
Donald Trump
Justice Department Deploys Election Monitors
Meanwhile, the Justice Department has deployed approximately 1,000 federal election monitors across all 50 states to observe voting on Election Day.
The department announced the deployment early Tuesday, with monitors expected in several heavily populated areas and locations that have previously experienced election-related tensions, including Detroit, Philadelphia and Fulton County, Georgia.
Although federal election monitoring is not new, the programme has attracted criticism from voting rights organisations concerned about possible interference and voter intimidation.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) filed a lawsuit last month after the Justice Department indicated that law enforcement officers would be included in the monitoring programme.
However, a judge ruled against the organisation overnight, noting that the government had stated that monitors would operate in plain clothes, carry no firearms and have no authority to make arrests at polling stations.
The Justice Department has maintained that the monitors will observe the voting process without interfering with voters or election officials.
Technical Problems Reported In New York
Voting disruptions have also been reported in Westchester County, New York, where technical problems affected ballot processing at polling locations. New York Attorney General Letitia James acknowledged the issues but assured voters that they could continue casting their ballots and that their votes would be counted.
The county, located north of New York City, includes part of the competitive 17th Congressional District, where Republican Representative Mike Lawler is facing a challenge from Democrat Cait Conley.
A spokesperson for the county Board of Elections said voters were being instructed to complete their ballots and place them in emergency orange bags for later counting because voting machines were not accepting ballots at the time.
The precise cause of the disruption remained unclear, with reports pointing to possible problems involving ballot scanners or the printing of individual ballots. A spokesperson for Lawler said that the issue appeared to affect the entire county.
Conley also acknowledged the technical difficulties but urged voters not to abandon the process, saying election officials were working to resolve the situation. “There are technical issues with ballot scanners in Westchester, but don’t worry: you can still vote and every vote is being counted!” she said.
In a Facebook statement, she added that the issue was being addressed by the Board of Elections in a bipartisan manner and encouraged voters to remain in line.
“The Polls are open and operational, and every vote cast will be counted. Please stay in line and have your voice heard as they work to resolve the issue.”
Cait Conley
Separately, flooding in Florida forced the relocation of 19 polling locations, adding to the logistical challenges facing election officials.
With control of Congress at stake, the election presents an important test of Republican support and the public’s assessment of Trump’s second-term record. The results will also determine the extent to which Democrats can strengthen their influence over the administration through congressional oversight.
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