GOP strategist trashes Trump's economy on CNN: 'Things have not gotten better'

A GOP strategist trashed President Donald Trump's economy during a live interview on CNN on Monday.

David Urban, managing director of BGR Group, was on CNN's "The Arena" on Monday, where the panel was asked about Trump's efforts to bring down prices for American families. During his 2024 campaign, Trump made affordability and the cost of living among his top issues and promised to bring prices down on his first day in office.

Panelists noted that Trump didn't appear to have kept that promise during his second term, a point Urban agreed with.

"Those are the salient points at the end of that campaign," Urban said. "The McDonald's, the truck, and no tax on tips. I feel your pain. Joe Biden doesn't feel your pain. We're going to make things better, and things have not gotten materially better."

Urban's comments came at a time when Trump and the Republican Party are facing an uphill battle heading into the 2026 midterms. Democrats have outperformed in races across the country, including in districts that Trump carried by double-digits in 2024.

Trump has also told voters that they should expect energy prices to remain elevated heading into the midterms because of the continued blockage of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war with Iran.