President Donald Trump is calling it “the golden age of America,” declaring in his State of the Union address that the U.S. economy is “roaring like never before.”
But according to a new Reuters / Ipsos poll, most Americans strongly disagree.
• 68% of Americans disagree that the U.S. economy is booming.
• 82% say inflation is still a problem.
• Only 16% believe there is “hardly any inflation.”
• 72% of Republicans also reject the idea that inflation is no longer an issue.
That’s not just partisan opposition that’s broad economic skepticism.
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💸 The Real Concern: Cost of Living
Across party lines including independents the top issue isn’t immigration or foreign policy.
It’s rent. Groceries. Gas. Credit cards.
Even some Republican-leaning voters say they are struggling in two-income households. The frustration isn’t theoretical it’s personal.
While the administration has proposed:
• Restricting large investors from buying single-family homes
• Capping credit card interest rates at 10%
Nearly half of Americans say they’ve never even heard of those proposals.
Meanwhile, 78% are aware of Trump’s tariff increases and 54% believe tariffs will raise the cost of living, not lower it.
⚖️ The Political Risk
With primaries beginning in states like Texas and North Carolina, this polling data could become a warning sign for both the White House and the Republican Party.
Economic messaging only works if people feel economic relief.
Right now, many voters including previous Trump supporters say they don’t.
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🔎 What This Really Means
This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about perception.
Presidents often argue the data supports their policies. But voters judge based on everyday experience what they see at the checkout line and in their rent payments.
Even if economic growth ticks up this year, economists aren’t predicting a “boom.” And if Americans don’t feel relief soon, that disconnect between political messaging and household reality could shape the 2026 midterms.
This is the disconnect people are talking about. If 82% say inflation is still hurting them, then something isn’t translating from Washington to everyday life.
ReplyDeleteNo matter your party, cost of living is real. Rent, groceries, gas those bills don’t care about political speeches.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s interesting is that even many Republicans in the poll said inflation isn’t defeated. That says this issue goes beyond partisan politics.
ReplyDeleteIf voters don’t feel relief in their wallets, 2026 could become a referendum on economic messaging vs. economic reality.
ReplyDelete