Republican Voters Growing Pessimistic About Finances Under Trump

Recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos polling shows a sharp decline in confidence among Republican voters regarding their personal finances since Donald Trump took office. Nationwide, 65 % of adults disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, while only 33 % approve. Among all U.S. households, 66 % describe groceries as “unaffordable,” and just 17 % say they feel “better off” than when Trump was inaugurated in January 2025.

Newsweek

• Overall public view: 43 % feel worse off, 39 % about the same, and 1 % skipped the question.

Newsweek

• Republican breakdown (July poll, 2,648 adults, ±1.9 % margin): 34 % of Republicans feel on stronger financial footing; the share feeling worse off rose to 18 % from 13 % in April.

Newsweek

• Non-MAGA Republicans: Worse-off sentiment increased from 22 % (April) to 35 % (July); those feeling better off fell from 23 % to 16 %.

Newsweek

• MAGA Republicans: Those saying finances improved rose to 44 % from 40 %; those feeling worse off slipped from 10 % to 9 %.

Newsweek

• Demographic notes: White evangelical Protestants reporting “not as well off” grew from 19 % to 26 %; 37 % of 2024 Trump voters feel better off, up two points since April.

Newsweek

Inflation eased to 3.5 % in June (down from 4.2 % in April) after a sharp drop in energy prices, yet it remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2 % target. Gas prices have risen above $4 per gallon amid renewed U.S.–Iran hostilities. A May CNN poll found 77 % of respondents—including a majority of Republicans—blame the president for rising costs. A Harris poll in late May/early June reported 95 % of Americans perceive an “affordability crisis,” with 57 % saying the economy is worsening.

Newsweek

Newsweek’s request for comment from the White House went unanswered; no official statement has been released regarding the poll findings.

Newsweek

The growing financial pessimism among non-MAGA Republicans and the broader affordability concerns could pressure the GOP’s electoral strategy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as voters weigh personal economic strain against party loyalty.

Newsweek