Trump Fighting Inflation
As President Donald Trump prepared to deliver his State of the Union address Tuesday night, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas made a bold case for what he believes are major early wins for the country: stronger border security and easing inflation after years of economic strain.
Appearing on Newsmax, Cornyn argued that voters heading into this election cycle are focused less on political drama and more on everyday financial realities.
And for millions of Americans over 50, that means one thing: affordability.
Border Security and Inflation: The Two Issues Driving Voters
Cornyn credited President Trump with restoring order at the southern border — an issue that remains central to national security, immigration policy, and federal spending.
At the same time, he pointed to falling inflation rates following what many economists described as a 40-year high during the Biden administration.
While inflation has cooled from its peak, Cornyn acknowledged that Americans are still feeling the effects.
“Many of those higher costs are now baked into the system,” he explained, referring to supply chains, food prices, housing, and energy costs.
For retirees and Americans living on fixed incomes, this remains a critical issue. Even small increases in grocery bills, prescription drugs, property taxes, and utilities can significantly impact monthly budgets.
Kitchen Table Economics Still Matter Most
Cornyn emphasized that elections are ultimately decided by what he called “kitchen table issues.”
That includes:
- Cost of living
- Retirement savings stability
- Tax rates
- Energy prices
- Healthcare expenses
- Small business growth
“How do families feel about their finances?” Cornyn asked. “How do they perceive what’s happening in their daily lives?”
For voters over 50, perception often comes down to whether their retirement accounts are stable, whether inflation is slowing, and whether economic policies support long-term growth.
Tax Cuts and Economic Growth
Cornyn also signaled that additional tax relief could play a role in improving economic momentum.
Tax cuts, he argued, would help:
- Increase take-home pay
- Stimulate small business expansion
- Support job growth
- Ease pressure from lingering inflation
Economic growth and lower taxes remain key pillars of conservative fiscal policy — especially for older voters who prioritize financial stability and predictable markets.
A Competitive Texas Primary Race
The comments come as Cornyn heads into a competitive Republican primary in Texas against Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Despite the high-profile race, Cornyn said he does not plan to actively seek President Trump’s endorsement before the March 3 primary.
“He’s got more important things to focus on,” Cornyn said, noting that he speaks with the president regularly and believes Trump understands the dynamics of the race.
If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election is likely.
Trump’s Energy and Messaging Strategy
Cornyn also praised the president’s stamina and ability to communicate directly with the American people.
“There’s nobody better to use the bully pulpit to explain what we’ve accomplished,” he said.
As the State of the Union address sets the tone for the year ahead, economic recovery, border enforcement, inflation control, and tax policy are expected to dominate the conversation.
Why This Matters for Americans
For voters approaching retirement or already retired, the issues highlighted by Cornyn directly affect long-term financial security:
- Inflation impacts fixed incomes
- Border policy affects federal spending priorities
- Tax policy influences retirement planning
- Economic growth impacts investment portfolios
With economic confidence closely tied to political outcomes, these topics will likely remain central through the next election cycle.






