U.S. Poverty Hits Record Low, Incomes Rise

President Donald Trump is privately recognizing that his Iran war policy, higher energy prices and weak approval ratings have worsened Republicans’ position ahead of the midterm elections, prompting him to increase campaign efforts and financial support for GOP candidates. At the same time, newly released Census data show the poverty rate reached a record low in 2025 and real median household income rose to a record $87,460, figures supporters and conservative commentators say reflect a stronger economy than much media coverage suggests. Those gains are being offset politically by persistent cost pressures, including sharply higher gasoline and diesel prices, which critics argue are hurting Trump and his party. Conservative broadcasters and analysts have highlighted the economic data while also emphasizing immigration, Iran, artificial intelligence and control of Congress as major midterm issues, though the programs largely present pro-Trump interpretations rather than independent assessments.