Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) acknowledged Sunday that American families are grappling with high costs, even as he defended the Trump administration's economic stewardship and the broader Republican agenda. Appearing on Fox News's "Sunday Morning Futures," Jordan argued the economy is heading in a "pretty good direction" while conceding that "costs out there are tough on middle-class and working-class families."
Jordan, a close ally of the president, credited the 2017 tax cuts for the current economic trajectory, saying, "We said we would cut taxes, we did that." He framed the upcoming November elections as a stark choice between "common sense versus the crazy on the Democrat left," a line he has used to rally conservative voters.
The Ohio Republican also took aim at the Democratic Socialists of America, accusing the group of "hanging on this idea of affordability" to oppose U.S. military action in Iran. His remarks come as Democratic Socialists face their toughest test in the Midwest, where economic messaging is resonating with working-class voters.
Jordan's defense of the economy clashes with recent polling that shows widespread concern about the cost of living. A Marquette University Law School poll released earlier this month found that 35% of American adults view inflation and everyday expenses as the most pressing issue, with the broader economy ranking second at 15%. Handling Iran was third at 10%.
Meanwhile, a Harris Poll conducted for The Guardian last month revealed that 95% of U.S. adults believe the country is experiencing an affordability crisis, and 57% think the economy is worsening. These figures underscore the political vulnerability for Republicans heading into the midterms.
The cost pressures have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Iran. Repeated closures of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil and gas exports, have pushed crude prices above $100 per barrel. Brent crude futures traded at more than $88 a barrel on Saturday, while West Texas Intermediate hovered above $82. The national average for gasoline reached $4.07 on Sunday, according to AAA.
President Trump has dismissed affordability concerns as a "hoax" engineered by Democrats, but GOP strategists privately worry that the combination of high prices and the Iran war could erode their electoral advantage. Some Republicans have urged the administration to take a harder line in the conflict, while others focus on Democrats' playbook for taming costs without blowing up the deficit as a contrast to GOP proposals.
Jordan, however, insisted that incumbents, including Trump, have delivered on their campaign promises. "The economy is moving in a pretty good direction," he reiterated, even as he acknowledged the pain felt by ordinary households.
The political landscape remains fluid, with Democrats taking a narrow lead over Republicans on the economy in a new poll. That edge could widen if fuel prices continue to climb, especially as the administration weighs further military responses to Iranian provocations.
For now, Republicans are walking a tightrope: touting economic gains while addressing the very real burdens facing voters. Jordan's comments reflect that delicate balance, as he seeks to reassure the base without ignoring the economic anxiety that could drive turnout in November.
