Public Opinion Turns Against Trump on Cost-of-Living Policies

During the 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized Democratic opponents for rising prices, positioning himself as a champion of affordability. Since taking office, his administration has pursued a set of cost-of-living initiatives that were central to his electoral messaging.

Mother Jones

A poll commissioned by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research surveyed 2,140 U.S. adults from September 24-28. The poll, with a margin of error of 2.9 percentage points, found that only 17 percent of respondents approve of how President Trump is handling the cost of living—a record low across both of his terms. About 70 percent—including roughly half of Republican respondents—rated his cost-of-living policies as “worse than expected.” Moreover, 65 percent said the high cost of living is a result of Trump’s policies, while an earlier poll indicated that 55 percent had previously attributed affordability struggles to factors beyond his control.

Mother Jones

The findings place President Trump’s economic approval on par with President Joe Biden’s 28 percent rating in June 2022, early in the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift suggests that a substantial portion of the electorate, including a notable share of his own party’s base, now views his cost-of-living agenda unfavorably. This erosion of support could influence upcoming legislative battles and the administration’s ability to advance further economic measures.

Mother Jones

The poll employed a nationally representative sample of adults and adhered to standard weighting procedures. Its timing in late September provides a snapshot of public sentiment after several months of policy implementation, offering a benchmark for future comparisons.

Mother Jones