President Trump and Republicans face renewed economic pressure before the midterm elections as inflation, fuel costs and borrowing expenses strain households and businesses. Consumer prices rose 3.4% in August from a year earlier, while monthly inflation accelerated to 0.4% from 0.1% in July. Wholesale inflation also quickened to 5.4% annually, up from 4.8% in July. Diesel prices reached a record national average of $6.05 a gallon, while U.S. oil prices topped $100 as renewed fighting in the Middle East disrupted energy markets. Existing-home sales fell 2% in August to a 3.98 million annual rate, and the average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.76%, its highest level in more than 14 months. Jobless claims edged down to 206,000, keeping layoffs historically low, while stocks recovered as oil prices eased. Persistent price increases, weaker purchasing power and higher borrowing costs complicate the administration's economic message, despite inflation remaining below its 2022 peak of 9%.