A deep sense of economic unease is gripping the nation, far exceeding levels seen at the end of the previous administration. A staggering 76% of voters now view the economy negatively, a significant jump from just months ago, signaling a widespread feeling of financial strain.
The pinch is being felt acutely at the household level. Overwhelming numbers report substantial increases in the costs of essential goods and services – groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing are all significantly more expensive this year, creating a palpable burden for families across the country.
Despite a complex landscape, voters are directing blame squarely at the current president. Twice as many believe he is responsible for the current economic conditions compared to his predecessor, and a striking three times as many feel his policies have personally harmed their financial well-being.
This discontent is manifesting in historically low approval ratings for the president, even among his core supporters. Disapproval of his overall job performance has reached record highs, a stark indicator of eroding confidence.
The recent government shutdown has further fueled public frustration, diminishing the favorability of both major political parties. A sobering six in ten voters believe that leaders in Washington, on both sides of the aisle, are disconnected and indifferent to the struggles of everyday people.
Interestingly, voters perceive a clear divide in policy strengths. Republicans are seen as better equipped to handle border security, immigration, and crime, while Democrats are favored on issues of affordability, wages, healthcare, and climate change.
Views remain sharply divided on the administration’s foreign policy initiatives, including recent peace deals and strategies for combating drug trafficking. There’s no consensus on whether these actions are truly enhancing global safety.
The president’s job performance is facing particularly harsh criticism from key demographics. Men, white voters, and those without a college degree are expressing disapproval at levels never seen before in his time in office.
Even within his own party, support is waning. Republican approval, while still strong, has dropped noticeably, revealing a growing undercurrent of dissatisfaction. Overall, the president’s approval rating has plummeted to levels comparable to a low point during his first term.
Personal finances mirror the broader economic pessimism. A majority of voters – 60% – describe their financial situation as fair or poor, a sentiment particularly pronounced among those without a college degree, minority groups, younger voters, and lower-income households.
The feeling that inflation remains largely unchecked is widespread, with fewer than one in five believing it is fully or mostly under control. The rising cost of living is a dominant concern, impacting nearly everyone.
The perception that economic policies are detrimental is not new. Voters now express similar levels of dissatisfaction with the current administration’s economic impact as they did with the previous one just a year ago, highlighting a persistent sense of economic hardship.
A significant majority – nearly two-thirds – attribute responsibility for the current economic climate to the president, a sentiment driven by strong partisan views but also surprisingly echoed by a substantial portion of Republicans and independents.
Public trust in political institutions is eroding. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are experiencing record-low favorability ratings, and key political figures are facing increasing disapproval.
The sense of disconnect between leaders and the people is profound. A majority of voters believe that both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as the president, simply don’t care about the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Concerns are also mounting about the balance of power within the government. A significant number of voters worry that Congress and the Supreme Court are failing to adequately check the power of the executive branch, potentially leading to an overreach of authority.
The survey paints a portrait of a nation grappling with economic anxieties, political disillusionment, and a growing sense of frustration with the status quo. It reveals a deep-seated belief that those in power are out of touch and failing to address the challenges facing everyday Americans.
