Biden battered by inflation and low approval ratings | First Thing

The economy, energy prices and upcoming midterms weigh heavily on the president during his Middle East trip. Plus, House committee argues Capitol attack was premeditated

Good morning.

Domestic concerns were high on Joe Biden's agenda as he embarked on his tour of the Middle East on Wednesday, with soaring inflation hitting the president's approval ratings ahead of this year's midterm elections.

Economic concerns are paramount for non-white and working class voters", a New York Times/Siena College poll found, while white college-educated voters are more focused on issues like abortion and guns.

Only 20% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say Biden's policies have improved the economy.

But it could still be a tighter race than expected, following a series of mass shootings, the supreme court ruling on Roe v Wade, and recent revelations about Donald Trump's attempts to hold on to power.

What did Georgieva recommend? She called for raised interest rates, reduced government debt and more global cooperation.