Story perspectives

Only 17% Approve Trump’s Cost-of-Living Handling, AP-NORC Poll Finds

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 3:43 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump earned a 26% approval rating for his handling of the economy, according to an AP-NORC poll.
Only 17% of U.S. adults approve his handling of the cost of living.
Sixty-five percent of respondents blame Trump’s policies for today’s high prices.
Sixty-seven percent of Republicans say outside factors, not Trump, drive the price surge.
Border security is his strongest point, with about 48% approving.

History

Historical Context

In 1980, Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker lifted the federal funds rate to a historic 20%, halting inflation but triggering a deep recession. The 1981 unemployment surge reached 7.5%, while the Reagan administration’s tax cuts, approved by Congress, aimed to revive growth, drawing sharp partisan debate. Today's poll showing 26% approval for President Donald Trump’s economy and 65% blaming his policies mirrors the 1980s split over Volcker’s anti-inflation strategy. The episode underscores how aggressive monetary moves can polarize voters, foreshadowing future electoral battles over price stability and fiscal direction.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump earned a 26% approval rating for his handling of the economy, according to an AP-NORC poll.
Only 17% of U.S. adults approve his handling of the cost of living.
Sixty-five percent of respondents blame Trump’s policies for today’s high prices.
Sixty-seven percent of Republicans say outside factors, not Trump, drive the price surge.
Border security is his strongest point, with about 48% approving.

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