The Associated Press‑NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released a poll of 2,140 U.S. adults (Sept. 24‑28) that reveals a sharp decline in confidence in President Trump’s economic stewardship. Only 17% approve of his handling of the cost of living, and just 26% approve of his overall economic management – both new lows for the administration.
Public sentiment on inflation and tariffs
When asked who is responsible for persistently high prices, 65% of respondents said President Trump’s policies are to blame, outpacing the 35% who point to factors outside his control. The poll notes growing frustration with the administration’s aggressive tariff strategy and the ongoing war in Iran, which many voters say have contributed to higher grocery and fuel costs.
Concern about basic necessities is rising. About half of adults say they are “extremely” or “very” worried about affording gasoline – up from 39% in July – and a similar share express high anxiety about food affordability.
Republican voters split on the president
Even among self‑identified Republicans, dissatisfaction is evident. Roughly six in ten Republicans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, an increase from about half in April. Nonetheless, 67% of Republicans still attribute high prices primarily to forces beyond the president’s control.
Critics such as mental‑health therapist Kristen Slaven (Mississippi) argue that the administration’s focus on “renaming bodies of water” and other cultural issues distracts from the core economic challenges families face. Slaven, who typically votes Republican, labeled those priorities as “stupid” when families struggle to put food on the table.
Administration’s defensive points
President Trump’s team continues to highlight areas where the public still backs his agenda. The poll shows about half of Americans approve of his performance on border security, a long‑standing strength of his platform. Moreover, the administration maintains that the tariffs and firm stance toward Iran are necessary to protect American jobs and national security.
Supporters such as Fred Naumann, a Republican automotive worker from Wisconsin, argue that inflation is a complex issue and that the president’s policies, including targeted tariffs, are intended to safeguard domestic industry.
Comparisons with the previous administration
The poll places President Trump’s current economic approval behind former President Biden’s 28% rating in June 2022, a period marked by record‑high inflation during the COVID‑19 pandemic. However, the contrast underscores how the public now holds Trump more directly accountable for price pressures than they did for Biden in similar pre‑midterm cycles.
Overall, only about three in ten adults approve of how President Trump is handling his job, and roughly six in ten say the country is “much” or “somewhat” worse off than when he began his second term.
What’s next
With midterm elections looming, the administration faces a critical test of whether its economic messaging can regain traction among voters who feel the pinch of rising costs. The data suggests that while border security remains a rallying point, the president’s economic narrative must address the growing perception that his policies are inflating everyday expenses.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
