Laura Ingraham has a theory for why Republicans aren’t sending a stronger message ahead of the midterm elections, and it isn’t pretty. The Fox News anchor suggested Thursday that many GOP lawmakers secretly want President Donald Trump to lose control of Congress.
Ingraham put the theory forward on The Ingraham Angle, where she spoke with Fox Business commentator Larry Kudlow. The pair discussed Census Bureau data showing the Trump administration grew personal incomes more than the Biden years did. Ingraham asked why Republicans weren’t shouting that number from the rooftops. Kudlow called the economic story “the greatest story never told,” implying Republicans aren’t getting the message out.
But then Ingraham dropped her main accusation. “But how many Republicans secretly want Trump to lose?” she asked before sharing her theory. “I actually think there are a lot of Republicans on the Hill who will be happy not to have the burden of having to pass legislation, Larry. They’re almost going to be relieved for a little while, at least, to be in the minority.”
The Numbers Behind the Question
The context for Ingraham’s theory is a grim polling picture for the GOP. The Republican Party trails the Democrats by eight points on the generic congressional ballot and is expected to lose the House majority as things stand.
Ingraham pointed to Census data showing the Trump administration grew personal incomes more than the Biden years did in one year. Kudlow confirmed the figure. “One of the most incredible statistics is the Trump administration, in one year, has grown personal incomes more than Biden in four,” Ingraham said, per Mediaite.
“That is correct,” Kudlow replied.
The pair also discussed wage gains for workers without college degrees. Kudlow said those in trade professions — pipefitters, electricians, welders, carpenters — “are making close to $200,000 a year.” Ingraham added, “Best time ever for men without college degrees.”
Why Republicans Aren’t Promoting the Economy
Ingraham’s theory rests on a simple calculation. If Republicans lose the House, they don’t have to pass legislation.
She framed it as relief, not betrayal. “They’re almost going to be relieved for a little while, at least, to be in the minority,” she said. The implication is that some Republicans see the minority as a refuge rather than a defeat.
The theory is blunt. It suggests that GOP lawmakers are putting their own comfort ahead of the party’s interests. The idea is that once they stop having to make decisions, they can stop taking responsibility. Ingraham’s own words describe the dynamic: relief at the prospect of being in the minority, rather than resistance to the prospect of losing.
What the Polls Show
The midterm elections are set for November 3. The GOP faces an uphill battle. The party trails Democrats by eight points on the generic congressional ballot and is expected to lose the House majority as things stand.
This comes amid voter concerns about inflation and rising gas and grocery costs. Those costs have spiked since Trump’s war with Iran and controversial tariffs. According to a Fox News poll released Wednesday, more than 60 percent of Americans said soaring gas and grocery prices are a “major problem” facing families.
Trump has tried to address the issue. Earlier this month, he promised to pay every adult American $5,000 if the Republicans hold the House and the Senate. Many questioned the pledge, noting his previous failed promises of $2,000 rebates during his tariff policy and Department of Government Efficiency checks.
The Data Kudlow Shared
The conversation with Kudlow was full of specific figures. Here is what they covered:
- Personal incomes grew more under the Trump administration in one year than under the Biden years in four, according to Census data.
- Trade workers — pipefitters, electricians, welders, carpenters — are making close to $200,000 a year, per Kudlow.
- More than 60 percent of Americans said soaring gas and grocery prices are a “major problem” facing families, per a Fox News poll.
Kudlow called the economic story “the greatest story never told.” That phrase captures the tension at the heart of Ingraham’s theory. Republicans have the data. They have the numbers. But they aren’t using them.
The Warning From Ingraham
Ingraham’s theory carries a warning. If Republicans are happy to lose, they won’t fight. And if they aren’t fighting, voters won’t hear the message.
The midterm elections are only a few months away. The GOP needs to win back the House. The data shows the economy is performing well. But the data is only useful if it gets used.
Ingraham’s question is worth answering. How many Republicans secretly want Trump to lose? The answer, according to her, is a lot. That’s a remarkable admission from someone whose job is to defend the party.
Key Facts Box
- Midterm elections: November 3
- GOP trails Democrats by eight points on the generic congressional ballot
- Fox News poll: more than 60 percent of Americans call gas and grocery prices a “major problem”
- Trump promised $5,000 payments to every adult if Republicans hold the House and Senate
- Census data: Trump administration grew personal incomes more in one year than Biden in four
The theory is a blunt admission of political self-interest. Ingraham is suggesting that some Republicans would rather lose than govern. That is a serious charge, and it comes from someone who is supposed to be the party’s defender.
The theory is also a warning to the party. If lawmakers are happy to lose, they won’t fight. And if they aren’t fighting, voters won’t hear the message.
The midterm elections are only a few months away. The GOP needs to win back the House. The data shows the economy is performing well. But the data is only useful if it gets used.
Source material: “Fox News’ Laura Ingraham Makes Stunning Claim About GOP & Trump,” TV Insider.
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