A significant majority of Americans now believe the national economy has deteriorated during the Trump administration, according to fresh polling data released this week. The findings reveal a stark disconnect between presidential claims of economic success and public perception, potentially shaping the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Widespread Discontent with Economic Management
Approximately 55 percent of the country express dissatisfaction with President Trump's handling of economic matters, a sentiment that CNN political analyst Harry Enten described as a formula for electoral failure. "I don't know how you win when the majority of Americans say the economy is getting worse," Enten stated during a segment on CNN's News Central. "That is a formula that equals failure."
Polling Data Points to Consistent Concerns
The data from Enten aligns with other recent surveys, including one conducted by The Associated Press which found that around two-thirds of U.S. adults characterize the country's economic condition as "poor." This pessimistic assessment has remained remarkably stable over recent months, indicating deep-seated concerns among the electorate.
When questioned specifically about economic management, 53 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump's approach, with only 39 percent offering approval according to the AP poll. The numbers highlight the substantial challenge the administration faces in addressing widespread affordability issues that continue to trouble American households.
Divergence Between Rhetoric and Reality
Despite the polling data, President Trump has repeatedly asserted that America is experiencing a "golden age" of prosperity. In a recent Truth Social post, the president declared, "The highest Poll Numbers I have ever received. Obviously, people like a strong and powerful Country, with the best economy, EVER!"
This optimistic presidential narrative contrasts sharply with public sentiment. Enten's analysis reveals that 54 percent of Americans believe Trump's primary focus should be on reducing prices—an issue consistently identified as the top priority for voters across demographic groups.
Political Implications and Trust Deficit
The polling data carries significant political implications, particularly regarding which party voters trust to manage economic concerns. According to Enten's analysis, Democrats currently hold a 14-point advantage over Republicans on the question of which party is more trusted to address affordability issues.
"The party trusted more on affordability? Overall, it's the Democrats by 14 points," Enten explained, noting that the margin expands dramatically to 39 points among independent voters. "I'm laughing—it's 39 points! It's a blowout. This is the entire ballgame right here."
Broader Approval Ratings Reflect Economic Concerns
The economic dissatisfaction appears to influence broader presidential approval ratings. A recent Economist/YouGov survey found that 54 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump's performance as president, while only 40 percent approve. Despite this overall negative assessment, the president maintains strong support within his own party, with 86 percent of Republicans endorsing his job performance.
These conflicting numbers—strong partisan support amid broader public skepticism—create a complex political dynamic as the administration navigates economic messaging and policy decisions. The persistent gap between presidential claims of economic success and public perception of economic decline represents a central challenge for Trump's political future and the upcoming electoral contests.
