Gillibrand Says Working Americans Are “Skipping Meals” Because Of Trump’s “Sky-High Prices” While The President Claims That He “Loves” Inflation

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) posted on X on November 2, 2026, stating that working Americans are skipping meals due to high prices and questioning President Donald Trump’s reported comments on inflation.

Gillibrand attached an Independent article on a poll finding Americans forced to skip meals amid rising grocery costs.

The post reads in full:

“Working Americans are skipping meals because of Trump’s sky-high prices.

He said he “loves” inflation? Americans can’t afford food because of it.”

The attached Independent article, published October 28, 2026, reported that half of Americans said they are skipping meals because of rising food prices, according to a Self Financial survey conducted in August. Grocery prices have risen 28 percent from September 2020 to September 2026, with ground beef up 67 percent and coffee up 108 percent, federal data showed.

Respondents said high grocery prices impacted mental health and stress levels more than physical activity, diet, nutrition, or sleep. The article noted multiple polls showing voter frustration with the economy and prices for groceries and gas ahead of the midterms, including a New York Times/Siena survey finding 69 percent disapproval of the cost of living under Trump and 73 percent disapproval of his handling of gas prices.

Gillibrand has repeatedly addressed rising costs under the current administration throughout 2026. In an October 16 post she stated that wholesale inflation had hit a four-year high and that working families cannot afford gas, groceries, or healthcare premiums, adding that Trump was claiming he “loves” inflation instead of ending the war and putting America first.

In mid-October statements she said this year’s Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is not enough to make up for skyrocketing grocery bills, gas prices, and healthcare costs and that she is fighting to pass legislation fixing the inflation formula.

An October 15 post stated that working Americans face higher grocery bills, healthcare premiums, and gas prices because of destructive policies and reckless cuts, and that families are forced to miss debt payments while inflation climbs.

On October 28 she posted that the country faces a cost-of-living crisis made worse by the Iran war and that Republicans had taken away food assistance from children, seniors, and veterans.

In a longer October essay she wrote that New Yorkers have paid over $6,000 more due to the administration’s policies, with gas prices nearly 50 percent higher than before the Iran war and home heating oil up 70 percent.

Her office has released statements documenting additional spending by New York families on housing, groceries, and energy since early 2025 and attributing portions of the increases to tariffs and the Iran conflict. Gillibrand has consistently called for policies to lower costs for working families and has linked the Iran war directly to higher prices at the pump and store.

The November 2 post on skipping meals and the inflation comment continues that focus on the day before the midterm elections.

Rep. Aguilar Says House Republicans “Rubber-Stamped Trump’s Iran War” and “Ripped Food Away From 1 Million Kids” — “It’s Time for Them to Go”

Rep. Pete Aguilar, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, sharply criticized House Republicans on Monday, accusing the party of supporting President Donald Trump’s Iran war, reducing food assistance for children, protecting the president from accountability and cutting healthcare funding to finance tax benefits for wealthy Americans. Aguilar concluded his message with a direct call for voters to remove Republicans from their congressional majority. His statement comes one day before the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats are seeking to take control of the House of Representatives. Aguilar’s full X post reads: “With their majority, House Republicans have: Rubber-stamped Trump’s Iran war Ripped food away from 1 million kids Shielded the president from accountability Gutted healthcare to give billionaires tax cuts It’s time for them to go.” 10:32 AM · Nov 2, 2026

November 2, 2026

Warnock Tells Trump “He Can’t Stop What’s Coming” Ahead of Midterms — “Tomorrow, We Are Going to Remind Donald Trump” Who Holds the Power

Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia issued a forceful election-eve message on Monday, invoking the power of ordinary Americans as voters prepare to decide control of Congress. Warnock’s statement comes after months of criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies, including the administration’s war with Iran, tariffs and economic decisions that the senator has argued are placing additional burdens on working families. Warnock’s post does not explicitly identify a particular election outcome, but its reference to the power of the people and the phrase “He can’t stop what’s coming” comes on the eve of the November 3 midterm elections. Warnock’s full X post reads: “Tomorrow, we are going to remind Donald Trump that it’s not about the people in power. It’s about the power that’s in the people. He can’t stop what’s coming.” 11:41 AM · Nov 2, 2026 Warnock has repeatedly challenged Trump’s handling of the Iran war. In April, he filed a War Powers Resolution intended to force a Senate vote on whether to end the conflict. Warnock described the war as an illegal and unwise decision, arguing that the United States risked becoming trapped in another prolonged Middle Eastern conflict. His opposition continued into the summer. On July 14, Warnock voted against the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, arguing that it authorized a blank check for the president’s war in Iran. He cited the lack of a justification, defined objective and exit strategy. Warnock has also criticized Trump’s tariff policy. As the ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness, he has worked on legislation involving presidential tariff authority. In August, his office announced a written commitment from the administration limiting certain tariff powers under a sanctions bill involving Russia and Iran. The senator’s record demonstrates that his opposition to Trump has involved specific legislative actions, rather than solely campaign rhetoric. His work on war powers and trade policy has focused on limiting the administration’s ability to act without congressional oversight. Warnock’s election-eve message also reflects his broader political emphasis on working-class voters and public participation. He has frequently framed political power as belonging to ordinary Americans rather than wealthy donors, elected officials or the executive branch.

November 2, 2026

Kelly Says Trump Started Iran War With No Congressional Approval, “No Strategic Goal, No Plan, No Timeline” — Eight Months Later And “Americans Can Barely Afford Their Lives”

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona renewed his criticism of President Donald Trump’s war with Iran on Monday, November 2, arguing that the conflict has continued for eight months without a clear explanation of its objectives or an established timeline for ending it. The Democratic senator linked the administration’s military decisions to the rising cost of living, saying Americans are struggling financially while the White House has failed to explain what the war was intended to accomplish. Kelly’s latest statement reflects a position he has maintained throughout the conflict, including repeated criticism of the administration’s lack of strategic planning, its decision to initiate hostilities without congressional authorization and the potential consequences for American servicemembers and national security. Kelly’s full X post reads: “It’s been eight months since Trump bypassed Congress and started a war with Iran. Prices are still rising, Americans can barely afford their lives, and this Administration still can’t explain what this was supposed to achieve or when it will end.” 10:55 AM · Nov 2, 2026 The senator’s reference to Congress concerns the constitutional division of war powers. Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war, while the president serves as commander in chief. Kelly has argued that the administration should have sought congressional authorization for offensive military operations against Iran. On June 27, 2025, Kelly voted in favor of a War Powers Resolution led by Sen. Tim Kaine that sought to direct the removal of U.S. forces from unauthorized hostilities against Iran. Kelly said the American people and servicemembers deserved a genuine debate before the country entered a war. Kelly’s position became more pronounced after the conflict began in February 2026. In March, he warned that the administration lacked a clear objective, timeline, end state or exit strategy. He raised the issue during Senate intelligence hearings, questioning officials about what Trump knew before the conflict escalated. On March 4, Kelly also warned that the absence of a defined goal and timeline could place additional American servicemembers at risk. His criticism centered on the potential for an extended conflict without a clear strategic endpoint. The senator reiterated those concerns in an April 15 Senate floor speech, stating that the United States and Israel were fighting Iran without a clear strategy or goal. Kelly also distinguished his opposition to the war from his support for Israel’s security and right to exist.

November 2, 2026