Story perspectives

Trump economic policy confidence plunge cuts consumer sentiment model

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 3:45 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. economist Justin Wolfers says his model predicted consumer sentiment at 82, but it fell to about 52 this summer.
He links the gap to a record decline in confidence in President Donald Trump’s economic policy.
The “good-vs-poor” policy rating gap rose to 66 points in May 2026, above its prior high of 52.
Adding the harsher policy verdict, his model projected a roughly 20-point decline, matching the slump.

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Story summary

U.S. economist Justin Wolfers says his model predicted consumer sentiment at 82, but it fell to about 52 this summer.
He links the gap to a record decline in confidence in President Donald Trump’s economic policy.
The “good-vs-poor” policy rating gap rose to 66 points in May 2026, above its prior high of 52.
Adding the harsher policy verdict, his model projected a roughly 20-point decline, matching the slump.