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calendar_month Aug 20, 2026

Ted Lieu Slams Trump Administration Over Rising Gas, Grocery and Utility Costs: ‘November Is Coming’

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday over rising household costs, arguing that Americans are dealing with higher prices while the administration focuses on projects and initiatives bearing Trump’s name.

Lieu Targets Trump Over Rising Costs

On Wednesday, Lieu wrote on X that “Gas prices are up,” “Grocery prices are up,” and “Utility prices are up.”

He then questioned the administration’s priorities, asking, “What is the trump Administration focused on?”

Lieu pointed to efforts involving Trump’s name, writing: “Putting Trump’s name on airports,” “Putting Trump’s name on buildings,” and “Putting Trump’s name on coins.”

He concluded his post with a political warning: “November is coming,” referring to the 2026 midterm elections.

Democrats Slam Trump Over Rising Costs

Earlier, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said President Donald Trump’s failure to enforce a proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap had cost families an estimated $55 billion in additional interest.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized Trump over the reported $900 million White House ballroom project, arguing that taxpayer money should instead address rising household costs.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) also criticized Trump over higher fuel prices amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg accused the administration and congressional Republicans of failing to lower grocery and energy costs and criticized their health care policies.

Trump Faces Political and Legal Headwinds

Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) warned that President Donald Trump’s declining approval ratings, including a minus-45 rating among independents, could push vulnerable Republicans to distance themselves from him ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci also criticized Trump’s influence over the GOP, arguing that Trump prioritized his personal legacy and control over the party’s future.

Separately, a federal judge blocked key parts of Trump’s mail-in voting overhaul nationwide, ruling that the executive branch lacked authority to regulate elections and warning the changes could create confusion and undermine trust ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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