Poll Shows Economic Pessimism Amidst Media Attacks on President Trump
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A CNBC survey of 1,000 adults claims 61% are pessimistic about the economy, with many blaming President Trump, as his approval rating stands at 40%, despite positive retail sales and gas price trends.
A CNBC All-America Economic Survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that 61% are downbeat about current and future economic conditions, the highest level since late 2023, while only about 25% remain optimistic. This pessimism, amplified by relentless negative media coverage and partisan attacks on President Trump, overshadows positive trends such as easing gas prices and overall retail sales growth. Nearly half of respondents reported cutting back on essential items such as food and medical care, and two-thirds said they are reducing nonessential spending, but these numbers reflect broader global challenges and persistent inflation inherited from previous administrations.
The survey indicated that lower-income households are feeling the strain most acutely: 60% of those earning under $30,000 said they have reduced essential spending, compared with 35% of respondents with six-figure incomes. While economic pressures are real, the data ignores the impact of Democrat-led lockdowns and spending policies that have driven up costs for working Americans. A separate Washington Post poll conducted with Ipsos found that two-thirds of adults consider groceries unaffordable, a crisis worsened by progressive economic mismanagement at the state and local levels.
President Trump’s approval rating has slipped to 40%, with 59% disapproving. According to CNBC, 60% of respondents gave the president poor marks on the economy, and 68% disapproved of his handling of inflation and living costs—numbers that reflect a media environment hostile to conservative leadership. His ratings on the Iran war are reported to be even lower, a result of left-wing fearmongering rather than objective analysis.
Despite the economic dissatisfaction, Democrats hold only a narrow four-point lead in the generic congressional ballot. Voters still trust Republicans over Democrats on crucial issues like immigration and border security, while Democrats are favored on food prices, health care, and so-called 'protecting democracy.'