As 2026 approaches, the Trump administration paints a vibrant picture of the U.S. economy, projecting dazzling growth and prosperity. Yet, a closer look at recent polls reveals a striking contrast: many Americans simply aren’t feeling the same optimistic “economic vibes.” This widening gap between official rhetoric and public sentiment could have significant implications as the White House heads into a critical midterm election.
The Perception Gap: What Americans Are Saying
Despite the administration’s upbeat messaging, a significant portion of the public remains unconvinced. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll, surveying 2,300 adults, delivered some sobering insights:
- A striking 61% of U.S. adults believe President Trump makes prices and inflation sound better than they truly are.
- Trump’s approval rating on the economy lingers at a modest 37%, showing little improvement from the previous month.
- When asked about responsibility for the current economic state, respondents were more than twice as likely to attribute it to Trump’s policies rather than those of his predecessor, former President Biden.
Inflation: The Reality Check
While the administration projects future prosperity, current data offers a mixed picture. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) did signal easing inflation in November, with food prices ticking up only slightly (0.1%) from September to November. This suggests a notable cooling in grocery price pressures, as reported by Axios’ Courtenay Brown.
In a move that signals a pivot from past trade policies, the administration recently rolled back tariffs on key grocery items like coffee, beef, and tropical fruit. This retreat could be an attempt to further alleviate cost pressures on consumers.
Beyond the Polls: Expert Skepticism
Skepticism isn’t confined to public opinion polls alone. High-profile figures in the financial world are also expressing caution. Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo and a former contender for Trump’s Treasury job, reportedly told investors that his firm is cutting risk and accumulating cash, preparing for “when something bad happens.”
The Administration’s Counter-Narrative
The White House, however, is standing firm on its optimistic outlook. National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” countered the “empty rhetoric” of critics with a promise of “rhetoric with substance.”
Hassett predicted that Americans will “see it in their wallets. They’re going to see it in their bills,” pledging “huge tax refunds” for seniors and certain workers, alongside a forthcoming “big plan” on housing.
Public’s Financial Outlook: A Bleaker Picture
Despite these promises, the public’s personal financial expectations for 2026 remain subdued:
- The CBS poll found that more respondents (45%) expect Trump’s policies to leave them financially worse off than better off (27%) in 2026.
- An NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll last week revealed that only 33% expect their finances to improve in 2026, a significant drop from 48% who held that view in June.
Voters Grade the Economy Harshly
While President Trump continues to give his economy top marks, voters are grading on a much harsher curve. The CBS poll showed a dismal report card:
- Just 5% gave the economy an “A.”
- 20% rated it a “B.”
- 26% gave it a “C.”
- 25% gave it a “D.”
- And a substantial 24% graded it an “F.”
Adding to this, Emerson College Polling’s last national survey of 2025 found that while about 22% gave Trump an “A” on the economy, a striking 36% gave him an “F.” Furthermore, an NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll indicated that more than six in 10 Americans believe the economy is not working well for them, an increase from 57% in May.
Democrats Center on “Affordability” Ahead of Midterms
Recognizing this widespread economic pain, Democrats are strategically centering their message around “affordability” – a term the president has reportedly dismissed as a “con job.” Heading into the midterms, Democratic leaders aim to make 2026 a referendum on the cost of living.
House Democrats, with bipartisan support from centrist Republicans, have even secured enough backing to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. While the proposal faces an uphill battle in the Senate, it highlights a concerted effort to open bipartisan discussions focused squarely on the cost of living.
As House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stated, “As Democrats, we’re promising to focus relentlessly on driving down the high cost of living, to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, and to fix our broken health care system.”
The stage is set for a challenging political year, with a clear disconnect between the administration’s economic optimism and the financial anxieties of many Americans.
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