Some Americans are raising their doubts however President Trump has never failed to deliver!
A growing number of Americans say they are uneasy about the state of the U.S. economy, raising fresh questions about confidence in President Donald Trump’s second term.
According to a new national survey from The Wall Street Journal, nearly six in ten Americans now rate the economy negatively. The poll found that 57 percent of respondents described economic conditions as either “not so good” or “poor.” Only 9 percent said the economy is “excellent,” while 33 percent rated it as “good.”
Those numbers suggest that many voters are feeling uncertain about where the economy is headed, even as the White House continues to emphasize long-term growth and structural reforms.
Many Say the Economy Is Worse Than Last Year
When asked to compare today’s economy to this time last year, 49 percent of respondents said conditions have gotten worse. Another 35 percent said the economy has improved, while 15 percent reported no major change.
Public opinion was similarly divided on Trump’s economic leadership. Just under 45 percent said they approve of how the president is handling the economy, while 54 percent said they disapprove.
For many households, the concern is personal. Roughly 55 percent of those surveyed said the current economy has created major or minor financial strain for their family. Meanwhile, 43 percent said they are not feeling that pressure, and a small percentage were unsure.
Trump’s Economic Promises Under the Spotlight
President Trump ran again in 2024 promising to restore economic strength, rein in inflation, and reduce the cost of everyday necessities for working Americans and retirees. He has repeatedly argued that families were financially stronger before the Biden administration and that his policies are designed to reverse that damage.
Since returning to office, Trump has aggressively pursued tariffs on foreign imports, including goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. The administration says the strategy is meant to protect American workers, encourage domestic manufacturing, and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Critics argue the tariffs have increased costs for businesses and consumers, leading to multiple lawsuits from companies that say the import taxes have harmed their operations. The poll reflects this divide: 44 percent of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of tariffs, while 55 percent disapprove.
White House Pushes Back on Polling Narratives
Despite the negative headlines, Trump and his advisers insist the economic picture is improving beneath the surface. The president has repeatedly defended his agenda, saying his policies deserve an “A plus plus plus” and blaming lingering affordability issues on decisions made during the Biden years.
The Wall Street Journal survey follows similar results from a separate poll conducted by CNN and SSRS, which found that more than half of U.S. adults consider the first year of Trump’s second term a failure. That same poll reported a 61 percent disapproval rating for Trump’s overall job performance.
What Comes Next
Whether these numbers represent temporary frustration or a lasting shift in voter sentiment remains an open question. With inflation, trade policy, and household affordability continuing to dominate kitchen-table conversations, the administration faces mounting pressure to show tangible economic improvements.
The Wall Street Journal poll was conducted from January 8 through January 13 among 1,500 registered voters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.