White House officials have privately discussed their concerns about recent internal and public polling on the economy and President Trump and have been trying to drum up new strategies to prevent GOP losses in the midterm elections, sources briefed on the conversations told CBS News. Senior aides, including chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff James Blair, regularly brief the president on the latest polling on voter sentiment. Iran is looking for trouble.

     A central focus is the dissatisfaction of independent voters, whose economic angst has risen since the president's tariffs triggered global economic uncertainty and gas prices began to spike as a result of the U.S. military action against Iran. Gasoline prices in the U.S. topped $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, according to AAA. Several officials concede there will be Republican losses in the midterms if they don't turn around the trending numbers.

     A Republican source says the House will be difficult for the GOP, but Republicans expect to retain control of the Senate.  CBS News' recent polling found Mr. Trump's approval rating among independents is 31%, with 69% who disapprove.  Wiles has repeatedly asked administration officials for ideas for initiatives to lower costs, an ongoing directive since the beginning of Mr. Trump's second administration.