A majority of US voters believe their financial situation has deteriorated since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The finding comes less than three months before the November midterm elections. It also highlights growing concerns about inflation, prices and the wider US economy.
A Focaldata poll found that 53% of registered voters felt worse off under Trump. The figure included nearly 57% of independent voters and almost one-quarter of Republicans. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds said the US economy was moving in the wrong direction.
Only 25% of voters believed the economy was heading in the right direction. The results point to growing economic dissatisfaction among voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Voters Raise Concerns Over Inflation and Living Costs
Economic issues also appear to be creating challenges for Trump among voters. Democrats held an advantage over Republicans on inflation, living costs, jobs and the economy.
Trump received particularly low approval on inflation and living expenses. About 64% of voters disapproved of his performance in these areas. The figure included nearly seven in 10 independents and around one-third of Republicans.
Overall, 55% of voters disapproved of Trump’s performance. His net approval among Republican voters also dropped by eight percentage points compared with the previous month.
These figures suggest that economic pressures could influence voter decisions during the upcoming elections. High prices and concerns about household finances remain major issues for Americans.
Democrats Hold an Edge Ahead of Midterms
The poll also showed Democrats leading Republicans among voters ahead of November. About 44% said they were likely to support Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, 39% said they would back Republicans.
Recent polling has suggested that Democrats could regain control of the House of Representatives. However, winning control of the Senate appears more challenging for the party.
The latest findings come as inflation and weak consumer sentiment continue to affect Americans. Inflation reached 3.4% in July, while government figures showed that real wages declined during the previous month.
The economic outlook could therefore become an important factor in the midterm campaign. Voters may focus closely on whether household costs improve before heading to the polls.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended Trump’s record, saying, “The Trump administration continues to deliver on the President’s affordability agenda by lowering drug prices, reshoring American jobs, and cutting taxes while simultaneously touting a historic drop in violent crime nationwide and the most secure border in history.”
Poll Shows Growing Economic Anxiety
The poll was conducted online by London-based, nonpartisan Focaldata from August 7 to 10. It surveyed 1,913 registered voters across the United States.
The survey carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. Its findings show that economic concerns remain a significant challenge for the Trump administration.
With the midterm elections approaching, voters’ views on prices, wages and economic direction could prove decisive. If financial pressures persist, they may further shape the political landscape in November.
