Here’s what was said.
A majority of American voters say President Donald Trump’s policies have made economic conditions worse, according to a new national poll released as inflation, gasoline prices and the cost of living become major issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The latest NBC News poll found that 55% of registered voters believe Trump’s policies have hurt the economy. By comparison, 26% said his policies have improved economic conditions.
Another 18% said the president’s policies have not had much effect either way, while 1% were unsure.
The findings underscore a growing political challenge for the White House and Republicans as millions of Americans continue to focus on household expenses, grocery bills, fuel costs and other everyday financial pressures.
Inflation and Cost of Living Top Voters’ Concerns
For many Americans, the economy is not an abstract debate about Washington statistics. It is about how far a paycheck or retirement check goes each month.
NBC found that 28% of registered voters named inflation and the cost of living as the single most important issue facing the country.
That placed rising prices ahead of government corruption, which was selected by 18%, threats to democracy at 16%, and jobs and the economy at 9%.
The results show why pocketbook issues are receiving so much attention heading into November.
Older Americans and retirees can be particularly sensitive to increases in recurring expenses such as food, electricity, insurance, medical costs, transportation and housing because many households rely heavily on fixed or relatively stable incomes.
Majority Says Trump Policies Have Hurt Economy
The new poll also suggests voter perceptions of Trump’s economic record have deteriorated.
NBC found that 55% now say his policies have hurt the economy. Earlier NBC polling in March had put that figure at 48%, meaning the share holding a negative view increased by seven percentage points.
That does not mean the poll proves Trump’s policies caused every economic problem Americans are experiencing.
Presidents can influence economic conditions through taxes, tariffs, federal spending, regulation, energy policy and other decisions, but inflation and economic growth are also affected by Congress, the Federal Reserve, global energy markets, international conflicts, supply chains and private-sector conditions.
The survey measures what voters believe about Trump’s economic policies rather than establishing economic causation.
Trump Faces Broader Problems With Voters
The economic findings come as Trump’s overall standing with voters remains under pressure.
NBC’s poll put Trump’s job approval at 41%, with 56% disapproving, according to reporting on the survey.
Separate polling averages also show Trump underwater with the public.
Decision Desk HQ’s favorability average as of September 20 showed Trump at 38% favorable and 57.4% unfavorable. Favorability and presidential job approval measure different things, so the two figures should not be directly compared as though they were identical.
For Republicans preparing for the midterms, economic dissatisfaction could become especially important because voters frequently judge the party controlling the White House on their personal financial situation.
Republicans Confront Voter Anger Over Prices
Republican candidates are entering the final stretch of the midterm campaign while trying to convince voters that their policies can bring prices under control and strengthen the economy.
The political debate includes taxes, tariffs, domestic energy production, federal spending, interest rates and the financial consequences of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Democrats, meanwhile, are attempting to tie higher household costs to Trump and Republican policies.
The NBC poll suggests neither party can afford to ignore the issue.
For many voters, questions about economic policy ultimately come down to something much simpler: Is life becoming more or less affordable?
Iran War Adds Another Economic Concern
The Trump administration is also facing voter dissatisfaction over the war with Iran.
NBC found that 62% of registered voters said the conflict has not been worth it, while 33% disagreed and 5% were uncertain.
The conflict has political implications beyond foreign policy because instability in the Middle East can affect global oil markets, transportation costs and gasoline prices.
That creates an important connection between foreign policy and the domestic economy.
When fuel prices rise, the effects can spread throughout the economy because businesses pay more to transport food, manufactured goods and other products.
Consumers can ultimately feel part of that increase through higher prices.
Why the Poll Matters Before the Midterms
Economic conditions traditionally play a major role in congressional elections because voters often hold the president’s party accountable for what is happening financially.
The latest NBC survey therefore gives Republicans another indication that inflation and affordability could remain central issues through Election Day.
At the same time, polling represents public opinion at a particular moment and can change as economic conditions, gasoline prices, international events and campaign messages change.
The NBC News poll was conducted September 11 through September 15 among 1,000 registered voters and carried a margin of error of approximately plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
What Voters Appear to Be Blaming
The most striking number may be the 55% who say Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions.
That finding does not establish that presidential policy is solely responsible for inflation or higher prices. It does show that a majority of the registered voters surveyed currently associate Trump’s policies with the economic pressure they are experiencing.
With inflation and the cost of living ranking as the leading concern in the same survey, Republicans have a strong incentive to make their economic case directly to voters before November.
The question heading into the midterms is whether Americans’ views of the economy change before they cast their ballots.