Poll Finds Majority of Americans Dissatisfied with Economy and Blame President Trump

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. 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, despite easing gas prices and overall retail sales growth.

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. A separate Washington Post poll conducted with Ipsos found that two-thirds of adults consider groceries unaffordable.

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, his lowest ratings on those issues to date. His ratings on the Iran war are reported to be even lower.

Despite the economic dissatisfaction, Democrats hold only a narrow four-point lead in the generic congressional ballot. Voters tend to favor Democrats on issues such as food prices, health care, and protecting democracy, while Republicans are preferred on immigration and border security.