'People Aren't Dumb': Republicans Warn They Must Do More on Affordability or Risk Midterm Losses

WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers are increasingly warning that the GOP lacks a coherent strategy to address voters' concerns about the rising cost of living, and some are publicly criticizing President Donald Trump's dismissive tone on the issue.

Growing GOP Frustration

While many Republicans blame inflation and high prices on policies enacted under President Joe Biden, a growing number of GOP members say the party must sharpen both its messaging and its policy agenda ahead of next year's midterms — or risk losing narrowly held congressional majorities.

"People aren't dumb," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said. "They know when they go to the grocery store what it costs. They know what their rent costs. They know what their prescription drugs cost. And all of that stuff is too high. And they can't afford it. So we've got to deliver."

What Republicans Are Saying

Nearly two dozen Republican senators, House members, strategists and aides described rising unease in interviews with NBC News, and several others raised concerns privately with party leaders and White House aides. Some Republicans point to Democratic electoral gains this year and a disappointing special-election margin in Tennessee as evidence that voters prioritize affordability.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, warned that failing to prioritize the economy could depress GOP turnout: "If we don't do that, we would be morons, because the economy is very much on people's minds."

Other GOP officials, including Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, pressed the White House directly about health-care costs — an immediate concern as Affordable Care Act subsidies are scheduled to expire in January unless Congress acts. Many Republicans say preventing a spike in premiums must be a near-term priority.

Leadership Response and Strategy

Republican leaders have sought to reassure skeptical members by pointing to provisions in recent tax legislation and other administration actions they say will ease costs next year, such as changes to tax treatment and measures aimed at lowering drug prices. Speaker Mike Johnson urged patience, telling NBC News the party is "on the trajectory" to relief early next year.

But some senior House Republicans argue that relying on the law's future effects is risky because voters may not understand its benefits. Others criticized the decision to keep the House out of session during a government dispute, saying the lost weeks could have been used to advance affordability and health-care measures.

Policy Proposals and Debate

There is no consensus yet on the legislative path forward. Proposals raised by GOP members include permitting reform to ease infrastructure and energy expansion, caps on prescription drug costs, new deductions for medical expenses, and allowing certain out-of-pocket insurance costs to be tax-deductible. Some proposals, such as raising the federal minimum wage, remain controversial within the party.

Voices across the GOP also cautioned about the limits of expectations: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., noted that lower inflation means slower price growth rather than immediate price declines, while Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, urged Republicans to better communicate what their policies have prevented.

Political Stakes

Trump's approval rating in the latest Gallup poll sits near 36 percent — a low point in his second term that has unsettled some Republicans. With health-care subsidies set to lapse and voters continuing to feel cost pressures despite some easing in gas and food prices, Republican officials say both sharper messaging and tangible legislative wins will be required to reassure voters.

Bottom line: GOP lawmakers publicly and privately agree they must do more — and faster — to show they can lower costs and protect household budgets, or risk electoral consequences next year.