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Poll: 45% Say Financial Security Worsening Amid Recession Fears

12/29/2025

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Harris poll finds 45% of Americans say financial security is worsening, vs. 20% improving.
57% think the U.S. economy is in a recession, an 11% increase since February.
Partisan divides are evident, with 52% of Democrats and 27% of Republicans reporting worse finances and independents at 54%.
U.S. President Donald Trump has 36% approval, and many Americans favor congressional authorization for military actions in Venezuela.

History

Historical Context

The Great Recession, officially lasting from December 2007 to June 2009, was triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis and resulted in a peak unemployment rate of 10% in October 2009. The Federal Reserve's near-zero interest rates aimed to stimulate recovery, yet economic anxiety persists, with 57% of Americans fearing a recession today, reflecting the lasting impact of this financial crisis on public sentiment and trust in government.

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Story summary

The Harris poll finds 45% of Americans say financial security is worsening, vs. 20% improving.
57% think the U.S. economy is in a recession, an 11% increase since February.
Partisan divides are evident, with 52% of Democrats and 27% of Republicans reporting worse finances and independents at 54%.
U.S. President Donald Trump has 36% approval, and many Americans favor congressional authorization for military actions in Venezuela.

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