Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said Republicans must be candid with voters about living costs as the party approaches the midterm elections, which he predicts will be close. He identified cost of living as the biggest issue and said inflation began under President Biden before worsening under President Trump because of the war in Iran. The conflict and tariffs are creating political difficulties for Republicans, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (key Middle East oil-shipping waterway) has contributed to higher gasoline prices. AAA put regular gasoline at about $4.37 a gallon on Sunday, compared with $3.14 a year earlier. Polls found broad dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic record, although Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, dismissed recent surveys showing negative public sentiment.