Trump Facing New Economic Troubles

A new national survey shows that many Americans remain deeply concerned about inflation, the cost of living, and the overall direction of the U.S. economy.

According to a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday, a majority of adults say the economy feels uncertain, household budgets are under pressure, and their income is not keeping up with rising prices.

Americans Still Feel the Economy Is on Shaky Ground

The survey, conducted May 13–15 among 2,064 U.S. adults, found that many voters are uneasy about current economic conditions.

Sixty-five percent described the economy as “uncertain,” while 63% said it is “struggling.” By contrast, only 12% called the economy “stable,” and just 11% said it is “expanding.”

The findings suggest that many families are not feeling confident about the financial direction of the country, despite ongoing political debate in Washington over inflation, jobs, and economic growth.

Inflation Remains a Top Concern for Households

For many Americans, inflation remains the issue they feel most directly in daily life.

The poll found that 77% of respondents said their income is not keeping up with inflation. Only 23% said their income is keeping pace with rising costs.

That financial pressure is showing up in household stress levels as well. Forty percent said they feel stressed about money “a lot,” while another 27% said they feel stressed “sometimes.” Nearly half, 48%, said they are very concerned about their personal finances.

For seniors, retirees, working families, and Americans living on fixed incomes, higher prices at the grocery store, gas pump, and pharmacy continue to be a major concern.

Trump Receives Low Marks on Inflation and the Economy

The poll showed President Donald Trump facing public frustration over economic conditions.

Trump’s overall job approval rating stood at 37%, while 63% disapproved. On the economy, 33% approved of his performance, compared with 67% who disapproved.

His lowest rating came on inflation, where only 27% approved and 73% disapproved.

Immigration remained Trump’s strongest issue in the survey, with 43% approving and 57% disapproving.

Many Say Their Finances Are Worse Off

The survey also asked Americans how Trump’s policies have affected them financially.

Fifty-seven percent said they believe his policies are making them worse off financially. Twenty-nine percent said their finances are about the same, while 14% said they are better off.

The poll also found that 60% believe Trump makes inflation sound better than it really is, while 15% said he makes conditions sound worse.

That disconnect matters politically because voters often judge the economy based on what they experience personally—monthly bills, grocery receipts, energy costs, insurance premiums, and retirement savings.

Recession Fears Remain High

The poll found that many Americans are worried about where the economy may be headed next.

Thirty-four percent said they expect the United States to enter a recession within the next year. Another 25% said they expect the economy to slow down, though not fall into recession.

Only 20% said they expect either strong growth or moderate growth in the year ahead.

Those numbers show that economic pessimism remains a serious challenge for national leaders, especially as families continue to look for relief from high prices.

Voters Worry About the American Dream

The poll also pointed to broader concerns about opportunity in America.

Forty-seven percent of respondents said they believe their opportunities to succeed are worse than those of their parents’ generation. Twenty-eight percent said opportunities are better today.

That finding reflects a growing concern among many Americans that the traditional promise of hard work, financial stability, and upward mobility has become harder to achieve.

Neither Party Has a Clear Economic Advantage

Even with Trump receiving weak marks on the economy, the poll did not show Democrats with a commanding lead on economic policy.

Thirty-five percent said Democrats have the better approach, while 31% chose Trump and Republicans. Another 23% said neither side has the better plan.

That result suggests many voters remain frustrated with both parties and are still looking for a convincing answer on inflation, affordability, and long-term financial security.

Bottom Line

The CBS News/YouGov poll paints a clear picture: Americans are worried about inflation, skeptical about the economy, and anxious about their personal finances.

For President Trump and Republicans, the challenge will be convincing voters that their economic agenda can bring prices down and restore confidence.

For Democrats, the opportunity is clear—but so is the warning. Voters may be unhappy with current conditions, but they are not automatically convinced that either party has the solution.