The latest Fox News national survey reveals a significant decline in public confidence in Donald Trump’s economic leadership. A record 76% of voters believe the country’s economy is in a poor state, a sharp increase from the 67% who held that view in July and the 70% who voiced similar concerns at the end of former President Joe Biden’s term. This dissatisfaction is driven by rising costs for essential goods and services, particularly groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing. The survey highlights a marked shift in public sentiment, as the majority of voters now attribute the ongoing economic challenges to the Trump administration rather than the previous Biden administration.
The survey results show that a large majority of voters feel that their costs for groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing have increased this year. These costs have become a significant point of frustration for many, particularly among those with lower household incomes. The survey also indicates that there is a growing perception that the Trump administration’s economic policies have contributed to these rising costs, with three times as many voters attributing the economic problems to Trump compared to Biden. This shift in blame is reflected in the sharp decline in Trump’s approval ratings for his economic management, which has reached a new low.
Despite the overall negative sentiment towards Trump’s economic policies, the survey shows that he still holds a strong base of support among his core constituencies, particularly among White voters, men, and those without a college degree. However, the majority of voters, including a significant portion of Trump’s base, are now expressing disapproval of his overall job performance. This growing dissatisfaction is further exacerbated by the perception that the Trump administration is not addressing the concerns of everyday Americans, with roughly 6 in 10 voters believing that neither the president nor the lawmakers on either side of the aisle care about people like them.
The survey also highlights the growing divide between the two major political parties, as voters perceive the Democrats as better equipped to address issues such as affordability, wages, healthcare, and climate change, while favoring the Republicans for their approach to border security, immigration, and crime. This division is further reflected in the approval ratings of political figures within each party, with a record low 39% of voters expressing a favorable view of the Democratic Party, and similar trends noted for the Republican Party and Trump himself.
Despite the overall pessimism about the economy, the survey reveals some nuances in public opinion. A small percentage of voters believe that inflation is under control and that the economy is improving. However, these views are largely concentrated among those with higher incomes and more education. The majority of voters, including a significant share of young adults and those from lower income brackets, continue to express concerns about the financial strain of rising living costs. These findings suggest that the economic challenges facing the country are deeply felt by a large portion of the population, with widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of the issues.
The survey also highlights the political implications of these economic concerns. As public dissatisfaction grows, it has the potential to influence voter behavior in upcoming elections, as voters may be more inclined to support candidates who offer solutions to the pressing issues of affordability, economic stability, and job creation. The continued pressure on the Trump administration to demonstrate effective leadership in addressing these challenges could have significant consequences for the political landscape in the United States.