Vice President JD Vance faced an unwelcome 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 hinted at potential midterm trouble for the Trump administration.
The 41-year-old vice president joined Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” to talk about President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address delivered Tuesday night, Feb. 24.
Hemmer, 61, spelled out the troubling numbers. A Fox News survey from Jan. 23-26 revealed that just 40 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, with 59 percent disapproving. A Wall Street Journal poll from the same period showed 45 percent approval versus 54 percent disapproval. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll taken Feb. 12-17 reflected similar results, noting 41 percent approval and 57 percent disapproval.
The Fox anchor didn’t 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 heading into the midterms.
For a brief moment, Vance acknowledged the scale of the task. “In some ways, we are pushing a car uphill,” he said. But he quickly pivoted to attributing the public’s negative outlook to former President Joe Biden, arguing that the current economic mood stemmed from problems inherited from the previous administration. He highlighted what he viewed as Biden-era shortcomings, such as high peacetime debt and “skyrocketing inflation.”
Even with the discouraging numbers, Vance maintained that brighter days were coming. He claimed Americans had gained $1,200 in take-home pay under Trump, contrasting that with what he said were $3,000 losses during Biden’s tenure. He also said tax season would bring “massive tax refunds” due to exemptions on tips, overtime, and Social Security.
Trump struck a similarly positive tone during his Feb. 24 State of the Union address—now the longest in over 60 years at about an hour and 48 minutes. The 79-year-old president said that “inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the roaring economy is roaring like never before,” while also blaming Democrats for ongoing economic problems.
The celebratory rhetoric came at a challenging time for Trump. NBC News reported that, for the first time in his political career, Americans no longer trust him most on economic issues—an ominous sign for Republicans ahead of the midterms. The address also took place during a partial government shutdown, the first State of the Union ever delivered under such circumstances, after funding lapsed for the Department of Homeland Security.
The president’s upbeat economic claims have not translated into electoral momentum. While Trump spoke, Democrats won three special elections for state House seats in Pennsylvania and Maine, underscoring the political obstacles for Republicans. In Pennsylvania, Democrats Ana Tiburcio and Jennifer Mazzocco won in districts 22 and 42, preserving their narrow 102-98 edge. In Maine, Democrat Scott Harriman defeated Republican Janet Beaudoin to keep the 94th district in Democratic hands.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee framed these wins as a warning to Republicans. Since Trump entered office, Democrats have gained 26 state legislative seats, while Republicans have gained none—an indication of strong grassroots energy heading toward the midterms.
Vance tried to highlight positive economic developments, saying that “trillions and trillions of dollars” are being invested in new factories nationwide. He said construction jobs from these developments would soon boost the economy, followed by manufacturing jobs once the plants begin operating.
“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, urging frustrated Americans to give the administration more time.
The interview stood out as an unusual moment in which a Fox News host challenged a Trump administration official with hard numbers instead of offering the typically supportive approach. Hemmer’s pointed questions highlighted the severity of the economic perception problems confronting President Trump and Vice President Vance as they prepare for a critical election season.
With nine months until the midterms, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure to convert its economic optimism into real-world results that resonate with doubtful voters. Whether Americans accept the administration’s argument that they simply need more time to resolve an “inherited mess” will be determined in November.