Trump Cost-of-Living Approval Hits 17% as Midterms Near
AP-NORC poll shows 65% of Americans blame Trump's policies for high prices weeks before November elections.
KEY POINTS
- 17% approve of Trump's cost-of-living handling; 26% approve of overall economy — both record lows
- 65% blame Trump's policies for high prices over external factors
- Trump and Vance campaigned in GOP strongholds as midterms approach
- Half of adults are very concerned about gas and food affordability
- Economic approval down 14 points since March 2025
A new Associated Press-NORC poll finds only 17% of U.S. adults approve of President Donald Trump's handling of the cost of living, while 26% approve of his overall economic management — both record lows. Sixty-five percent say Trump's policies are responsible for persistently high costs rather than external factors, reflecting frustration over tariffs and the war with Iran.
The results arrive weeks before midterm elections that will decide control of Congress. Trump and Vice President JD Vance campaigned Thursday in Republican strongholds — Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida — where GOP candidates now face unexpectedly competitive races. Even some Republican voters express disappointment, citing unfulfilled promises of economic relief.
“"I was hoping it would be better or different, but it's not really good."”
Economic anxiety has intensified since summer. About half of adults report being "extremely" or "very" concerned about affording gasoline, up from 39% in July, and a similar share worry about grocery costs. A Trump voter in California described prices as "extremely exorbitant" due to fuel costs.
Trump's current economic approval rivals President Joe Biden's low point in June 2022, marking a sharp reversal from his first term when the economy was a political strength. The 26% figure represents a 14-point drop since March 2025.
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