Food prices keep pressure on Republicans ahead of midterms

Food prices are still rising nearly two years after Donald Trump used a New Jersey grocery display to argue that he would lower the cost of living. The issue has become a political vulnerability for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections as higher grocery and petrol prices continue to squeeze household budgets.

A Reuters analysis of 26 grocery categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and featured in Trump’s 2024 display found prices rose 3.4% in the first 19 months of his second term. That pace was slower than at the same point in Joe Biden’s term, but increases in coffee, beef and apples offset declines in items including eggs and butter.

A White House official pointed to July consumer price data as evidence that inflation is under control, saying prescription drug and auto insurance costs were falling, real wages were rising and several household food categories remained low. Some Republican voters interviewed in a battleground New Jersey district said grocery prices were weighing on their enthusiasm, while others said they still planned to vote Republican.

Read the full story at news24.com.