A new poll conducted by Harris for the Guardian reveals that nearly half of Americans believe their financial security is deteriorating, with many blaming the White House for rising prices. The survey, which sampled 2,180 US adults in December 2025, found that 45% of respondents said their financial situation is worsening, compared to just 20% who reported improvement.
The poll also indicates that 57% of Americans believe the US economy is currently in a recession, up 11% from a similar survey in February 2025. This pessimism persists despite official data showing the economy is not in recession, with stronger-than-expected growth in the summer. The White House has defended its economic policies, with President Trump claiming prices are coming down rapidly.
Partisan divides remain stark: 52% of Democrats said their financial security is worsening, compared to 27% of Republicans. Independents are increasingly pessimistic, with 54% reporting worsening finances and 58% believing the US is in a recession. Blame for rising prices is increasingly directed at the government, with 76% of Democrats and 72% of independents holding the White House responsible, up significantly from February.
Women are notably more pessimistic than men: 62% of women believe the US is in a recession, compared to 52% of men, and 50% of women say their financial security is worsening versus 39% of men. Racial gaps are also evident, with 66% of Black and 67% of Hispanic voters thinking the economy is in recession, compared to 52% of white voters. Lower-income households are hardest hit: 59% of those earning under $50,000 a year report worsening finances, versus 37% of those earning over $100,000.
