GOP Divides and Self-Inflicted Inflation Challenge Trump's Second-Term Agenda

President Donald Trump's political dominance faces growing cracks as affordability concerns and internal Republican Party tensions threaten his second term. Despite Republican losses in November elections in key states like Georgia and Pennsylvania, GOP leaders remain steadfast in their support for Trump, insisting his policies and leadership are central to the party's success. Kiersten Pels, a Republican National Committee spokesperson, emphasized that the party is "fully aligned" with Trump's "America First agenda" and his economic record, even as voters increasingly cite rising costs as a top priority.

However, Trump's grip on the party is not unshakable. A separate challenge emerged as renegade Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie, pushed to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case-a move Trump has suddenly endorsed after previously opposing it. Trump declared on Truth Social, framing the demand as a "Democrat hoax" aimed at weakening his re-election prospects. The issue has split GOP lawmakers, with some defying Trump to push for transparency, highlighting fissures in a party that has long been defined by its loyalty to the Republican Party.

Compounding these challenges, Trump's economic policies-particularly his aggressive tariff regime-have drawn criticism for exacerbating inflation and grocery prices. In a reversal, the administration recently slashed tariffs on beef, coffee, and other staples, a move analysts argue addresses a crisis Trump's policies helped create. While the White House claims these adjustments are proof of Trump's responsiveness, Democrats and economists argue the tariffs have consistently inflated costs for consumers. Rep. Richard Neal, the top Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee said, "They're putting out a fire they started."

The affordability issue has taken on heightened urgency as Trump navigates his "lame duck" status. Constitutionally barred from running for a third term, Trump faces an uncertain political future by 2030. Rep. Massie underscored this reality, noting that while Trump's endorsements remain valuable for GOP candidates, the president's influence wanes as his time in office dwindles. Meanwhile, the administration's efforts to soften its economic message-such as recent tariff rollbacks-have done little to quell concerns about affordability, with inflation remaining a key drag on public sentiment.