Americans are increasingly uneasy about their financial prospects under President Donald Trump, as new polling shows rising pessimism about jobs and the cost of living.
An Associated Press–NORC Center survey found that 47 percent of U.S. adults are not confident they could find a good job if they wanted to, up from 37 percent two years ago.
The findings come amid persistent inflation, high electricity bills, and the steep cost of essentials such as groceries, housing, and healthcare.
Economic analysts say Americans are feeling squeezed by the widening gap between wages and prices. “Prices are rising but wages are cooling,” said Sarah Foster of Bankrate. “It feels like you can’t get ahead because the dollars in your wallet just don’t buy as much anymore.”
Although the White House insists tariffs and spending cuts will stabilize the economy, household sentiment tells a different story. Roughly half of Americans say groceries are a major source of financial stress, while over one-third cite housing and energy costs as serious burdens.
The poll offers a warning sign for Trump, who returned to office in January promising to “tame inflation fast.” His approval rating on the economy stands at just 36 percent, with only 18 percent of independents supporting his economic handling.
The disappointment is particularly striking among those who once viewed Trump as a business-minded savior. “I think he’s doing a great job on a lot of things,” said Linda Weavil, a 76-year-old from North Carolina. “But our coffee and chocolate prices have gone up because of tariffs. That’s a kick in the back of the American people.”
Despite cuts to interest rates and claims of “booming growth,” most households say they feel no relief. For many, the Trump recovery still feels out of reach.
