As Living Costs Surge, Trump’s Approval Hits New Lows Amid Economic Anxiety
With Americans facing rising grocery bills and mounting personal debts, a recent poll exposes a troubling trend: President Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to historic lows during his second term.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans now hold him accountable for the soaring costs and worsening financial pressures, sparking concerns that the nation’s economic troubles may run deeper than surface-level inflation.
Poll Reveals Growing Economic Discontent
A new survey conducted by Morning Consult for the Century Foundation surveyed over 2,000 Americans, revealing widespread financial strain. Six in ten respondents blame Trump’s policies for the escalating grocery prices and the overall rise in living expenses. Almost half of those surveyed reported their personal finances have deteriorated since Trump took office.
Beyond groceries, respondents cited difficulty finding well-paying jobs, affording housing, and managing childcare costs. Alarmingly, 83 percent expressed worry over grocery bills, while nearly half feared missing rent or mortgage payments. Unexpected medical expenses burdened 64 percent of those surveyed, and a striking 76 percent foresee an impending recession.
Tariffs and Policy Impact
The administration’s tariff policies have done little to ease anxieties. Nearly 80 percent of Americans—including a significant portion of Republican voters—believe these tariffs will push everyday prices even higher.
This economic unease coincides with a dip in Trump’s approval rating, now hovering around 40 percent—the lowest mark of his second term.
Divided Nation, Shifting Support
Further polls illustrate the polarized political landscape. A Reuters/Ipsos study highlights stark party divides: over 80 percent of Republicans approve of Trump’s performance, while only 3 percent of Democrats and roughly one-third of independents express support.
While overall approval on economic management remains low—just 38 percent—Trump’s stance on immigration has seen a slight uptick, with 43 percent backing his approach.
However, core demographics such as men are showing signs of declining support. According to a CBS/YouGov poll, only 47 percent of men approve of Trump’s presidency, compared to 53 percent disapproving. Many men feel Trump places excessive focus on immigration enforcement while neglecting to address rising grocery prices adequately.
Expert Analysis: A Toxic Economic Environment
Julie Margetta Morgan, president of the Century Foundation, described the administration’s economic approach as “reckless,” citing tariffs that have driven up consumer prices, cuts to vital social programs, and weakened regulatory protections that leave Americans vulnerable.
“This cocktail of policies has fostered a dangerous environment where ordinary Americans rely heavily on credit cards, payday loans, and other high-interest financial products to survive,” Morgan said. “Meanwhile, corporations face fewer restrictions, allowing them to exploit consumers with little accountability.”
Conclusion: Economic Pressures Mount as Leadership Faces Scrutiny
The latest polling data paints a stark picture of growing economic distress intertwined with plunging approval for President Trump. While some Republican support remains firm, a majority of Americans are feeling the pinch of soaring costs and financial insecurity—issues they largely attribute to current administration policies.
Tariffs, deregulation, and social program cuts are seen as key contributors to an economic landscape that is increasingly precarious for everyday Americans. As financial pressures rise and public trust wanes, the administration faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of the nation’s fragile economy and the future well-being of its citizens.