Washington — A new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday reveals that 78% of U.S. adults say the cost of living is their primary concern as voters head toward the November 3 midterm elections. The survey, which sampled 4,506 adults online nationwide, shows majorities among both Republicans and Democrats linking higher prices to the policies of President Trump.
Poll details
According to the poll, 57% of self‑identified Trump supporters believe prices are rising faster than their paychecks. Overall, 68% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with inflation, and 40% of Republicans specifically said they were unhappy with price growth.
The poll’s margin of error is ±2 points for the overall sample and ±3 points for partisan sub‑groups. Respondents were asked about their views on a range of economic issues, including gasoline, food, and housing costs.
Administration response
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers quickly countered the poll’s narrative, noting that President Trump has already delivered “tangible wins for American families.” She pointed to the administration’s tax‑cut legislation and the recent reduction in prescription‑drug prices as concrete steps that have lowered household expenses and boosted disposable income.
“President Trump ended the inflation crisis inherited from the previous administration by cutting taxes and making medicines more affordable,” Rogers said by email. “These actions are directly benefiting families across the nation.”
Local voices reflect national sentiment
Kansas residents voiced the frustration many Americans feel. Jeffrey Talley, a 65‑year‑old retired bank examiner from Mission Hills, said he voted for Trump in 2016 but plans to support Democrat Adam Hamilton in the upcoming Senate race because of “the nonsense” surrounding the Iran conflict and rising gasoline prices.
Athena Barrett, a 41‑year‑old Hispanic voter from Kansas City, told Reuters the president’s handling of the Iran war and immigration policy has motivated her to register to vote. “Gas prices, food prices, everything has gone up,” she said.
Economic backdrop
Nationally, the average price of a gallon of gasoline sits at $4.36, up from $3.11 a year ago, while diesel averages $6.28. The 30‑year mortgage rate has climbed to 7.5%, roughly double the rate six years prior.
Despite these pressures, hourly wage growth remains roughly in line with the consumer‑price index, meaning many workers see only modest real‑income gains. A majority of respondents (63%) say they are eating out less often, and 56% report cutting back on entertainment or streaming services.
Policy points cited by voters
When asked about the root causes of higher prices, 45% of respondents identified unauthorized immigration as a factor, echoing the administration’s argument that illegal immigration adds demand for housing and other goods.
While the poll highlights widespread concern, the Trump administration continues to emphasize its economic agenda—tax relief, deregulation, and lower drug costs—as evidence of progress for American families.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
