Vice President JD Vance received an unexpected reality check on what should have been friendly territory on Feb. 25, 2026, when Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer confronted him with bleak economic polling that could spell trouble for the Trump administration ahead of the midterm elections.
The 41-year-old vice president appeared on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” to talk about President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address from Tuesday night, Feb. 24.
Hemmer, 61, detailed the discouraging numbers. A Fox News poll taken Jan. 23-26 showed only 40 percent approval of Trump’s handling of the economy, with 59 percent disapproval. A Wall Street Journal poll from the same period found 45 percent approval and 54 percent disapproval. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos survey from Feb. 12-17 reflected similar results, indicating 41 percent approval and 57 percent disapproval.
The Fox anchor did not sugarcoat the implications. “You’ve got nine months to turn it around,” Hemmer told Vance, warning that the economy could become “the issue that might clip” Republicans before the midterms.
Vance briefly acknowledged the difficulty. “In some ways, we are pushing a car uphill,” he said. But he quickly pivoted to assigning blame to former President Joe Biden for the pessimistic economic mood, describing current conditions as fallout from the previous administration. He listed what he viewed as Biden-era problems, such as high peacetime debt and “skyrocketing inflation.”
Despite the bleak poll results, Vance maintained that the outlook is improving. He claimed Americans have gained $1,200 in take-home pay under Trump, contrasting this with what he said were $3,000 losses during Biden’s presidency. Vance also argued that tax season would yield “massive tax refunds” due to exemptions for tips, overtime, and Social Security.
Trump expressed similar optimism during his Feb. 24 State of the Union address—now the longest in at least sixty years at about one hour and 48 minutes. The 79-year-old president declared that “inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the roaring economy is roaring like never before,” while simultaneously accusing Democrats of fueling economic issues.
His upbeat message came at a challenging moment. NBC News reported that, for the first time in his political career, Americans no longer trust Trump most on economic matters—a troubling sign for Republicans leading into the midterms. The speech was also delivered during a partial government shutdown, the first State of the Union ever given under such conditions, after funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired.
The administration’s economic narrative has not translated into electoral success. While Trump was speaking, Democrats won three special state House elections in Pennsylvania and Maine, emphasizing the political headwinds facing Republicans. In Pennsylvania, Democrats Ana Tiburcio and Jennifer Mazzocco secured victories in districts 22 and 42, preserving their narrow 102-98 majority. In Maine, Democrat Scott Harriman defeated Republican Janet Beaudoin to keep the 94th district seat.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee framed the wins as a warning for the GOP. Since Trump took office, Democrats have flipped 26 state legislative seats, while Republicans have flipped none—a sign of strong grassroots momentum heading toward the midterms.
Vance attempted to maintain a positive outlook on manufacturing growth, claiming that “trillions and trillions of dollars” are being invested in new factories nationwide. He said construction jobs would soon bolster the economy, followed by manufacturing jobs once those plants begin operations.
“We’re absolutely pushing that car uphill, but here is the good news, Bill. I think we’re about to get over the hump,” Vance said, encouraging frustrated Americans to give the administration more time.
The interview was a rare moment in which a Fox News host challenged a Trump administration official with tough statistics instead of offering the usual supportive coverage. Hemmer’s pointed questions highlighted the significant economic perception problems facing President Trump and Vice President Vance as they head into a crucial election year.
With nine months left before the midterms, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure to convert its economic optimism into real-world results that appeal to skeptical voters. Whether Americans accept the administration’s argument that they simply need more time to repair an “inherited mess” will be determined in November.