**Key Facts**
A recent NBC News poll found that 66% of Americans believe former President Donald Trump has fallen short of expectations regarding inflation and the cost of living—his worst mark in six categories highlighted by the news outlet. Additionally, 65% of respondents said he has fallen short on “looking out for the middle class.” The only category where a majority (51%) of the 1,000 registered voters polled felt Trump lived up to expectations was border security and immigration.
**Chief Critics**
Some Republicans have publicly broken with Trump and urged the party to rethink its messaging strategy and economic policies in the aftermath of Tuesday’s election. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) told CNN on Thursday that the high cost of living is “a massive reason” behind the GOP’s election performance. Similarly, Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) told Punchbowl, “a lot of people are hurting and the Republicans can’t let that just pass them.” He added, “it’ll be a bad day in the midterm” if Republicans don’t prioritize Americans’ economic concerns before next year’s elections.
**Big Number**
3%. That’s how much the cost of a 10-person Thanksgiving meal has decreased over the past year, according to a new report from Wells Fargo. The report cites pricing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nielsen, and Circana. However, the cost of food at home has increased by 2.7% annually through August.
**Tangent**
Voters in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City—where Democratic nominees won major races—said economic issues were the primary factor influencing their voting decisions in Tuesday’s election, outpacing concerns about immigration and crime, according to an Associated Press poll conducted from October 22 to November 4.
In New Jersey, a plurality of voters identified taxes as the top issue facing the state, followed by the economy. For Virginia voters, the economy and health care were the leading issues. Meanwhile, cost of living and crime topped the list for New York City voters.
**Key Background**
– Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill defeated her Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by Trump, in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, 56% to 43%.
– Democratic former Rep. Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race, beating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears 57% to 43%.
– In New York City, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani defeated independent former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also endorsed by Trump, 50% to 42%.
**Further Reading**
– [Thanksgiving Dinner May Be Cheaper This Year Despite Rising Inflation, Report Says (Forbes)](https://www.forbes.com)
– [Trump Falsely Says Gas Prices Have Reached A 20-Year Low—Here’s The Real Data (Forbes)](https://www.forbes.com)
– [Latinos Swung Back To Democrats In Tuesday’s Election After Trump’s Historic Gains (Forbes)](https://www.forbes.com)
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/trump-defends-economic-record-after-tuesdays-gop-election-losses/