New Poll Sparks Outrage as Voters Point Fingers
A new Politico survey is drawing major backlash after revealing that many Americans who say they are struggling to afford groceries are blaming President Trump’s administration — despite years of skyrocketing costs widely attributed to Democrat policies, inflation, and government overspending.
According to the mid-November poll, 55% of Americans who say grocery prices are “difficult” or “very difficult” blamed the current Trump administration for their financial strain. Only 27% blamed the Biden administration, even though inflation surged under Biden and never returned to normal.
For many conservative voters, the result highlights how deeply media narratives and partisan messaging continue to shape public perception.
Who Voters Blamed for Rising Grocery Prices
Respondents could select multiple answers. Their choices included:
- 55% — Trump administration
- 27% — Biden administration
- 26% — State government
- 20% — Billionaires
- 20% — Businesses
- 17% — Local government
The numbers shocked many observers, especially after four years of Democrat-driven inflation, record federal spending, and aggressive regulations that sent food and energy prices soaring nationwide.
Blame Game Extends to Health Care, Housing, and Utility Bills
Even on other essential expenses, voters still named the Trump administration most often — a sign that frustration is high and messaging battles remain fierce.
Health Care Costs
- 48% blamed the Trump administration
- 45% insurance companies
- 28% state government
- 23% the Biden administration
Housing Costs
- 42% blamed the Trump administration
- 35% state government
- 34% landlords
- 28% local government
- 23% Biden administration
Utility Bills
- 39% blamed the Trump administration
- 34% state government
- 28% local government
- 23% Biden administration
These results stand in contrast to many Americans’ personal experiences during the Biden years, when the cost of heating, electricity, medical bills, and rent soared at historic rates.
Americans Say Cost of Living Is the Worst They’ve Ever Seen
One of the most alarming findings: 46% of Americans say the U.S. cost of living is “the worst I can ever remember.”
That includes 37% of Trump voters from the 2024 election — showing how deeply the economic strain is affecting people across the political spectrum.
This comes after Democrats overperformed in recent elections by aggressively campaigning on affordability, even though those economic pressures largely began during the Biden presidency.
Republicans Sound the Alarm: Messaging Gap Is Growing
President Trump has doubled down on his economic message in recent weeks, emphasizing:
- Lower energy costs
- Middle-class tax relief
- Stronger supply chains
- American manufacturing
But GOP strategists warn that Democrats and the media may be successfully shifting blame for long-standing inflation onto Republicans — even in deeply conservative states.
In the past week alone:
- A Republican barely held a ruby-red Tennessee district.
- A Democrat won the Miami mayor’s race for the first time in nearly 30 years.
These results are prompting warnings that Republicans may need to communicate more aggressively on cost-of-living issues before the 2026 midterms.
About the Poll
- 2,098 adults surveyed online
- Conducted Nov. 14–17
- Margin of error: ±2 percentage points