Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has a message for Republicans who keep describing the U.S. economy as a "Golden Age": look at who's actually living in it.

In a post on X on Friday, Buttigieg accused President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans of prioritizing wealthy insiders, corporate interests and personal financial gains while ordinary Americans continue to struggle.

Buttigieg Takes Aim at the 'Golden Age' Sales Pitch

Buttigieg criticized congressional Republicans for describing the U.S. economy as a "Golden Age," arguing that the prosperity primarily benefits political insiders.

"It may be a golden age for them, as they line their pockets while in office, but everyone else is hurting," he wrote, adding, "It's time to vote them out."

In a video accompanying the post, Buttigieg said, "And in a way it is a golden age for them." He also pointed to what he described as billions of dollars generated by the Trump family's crypto ventures.

He didn't stop there. Buttigieg referenced a jumbo jet gifted to Trump by a foreign prince and criticized lawmakers for "trading stocks as their votes move markets" while receiving campaign contributions from companies they oversee.

He further accused corporate lobbyists of getting their way in government, pointing to the AI industry and the Department of Transportation, where he previously served as secretary.

"The people in charge would keep this going on forever if they could. They like it just the way it is," he said.

But Buttigieg argued that the election gives Americans an opportunity to challenge the current system, declaring, "We get the last word on what happens next."

Political and Economic Concerns Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Buttigieg's broadside lands as the midterm conversation heats up on multiple fronts.

Last month, veteran investor Peter Schiff warned of a possible stock market crash before the midterms, citing rising inflation, a weakening job market, higher Treasury yields and concerns about slowing AI spending.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Americans to prepare for the 2026 midterm elections after the Trump administration declined to invite OSCE observers to monitor the vote, raising concerns about election integrity.

In September, Trump attacked Democrats in his Labor Day message, accused the "Radical Left" of trying to "destroy our Country," and predicted Republicans would win the midterms "BIG." He also pledged to campaign heavily for GOP candidates.

So the pitch from both sides is coming into focus: one says the economy is golden, the other says the gold is going to a very small group of people. Voters will get to referee that argument soon enough.