Nearly three out of five Americans have changed their grocery lists to stay within budget as the high cost of living continues to strain household finances, according to a recent CNN poll. The survey found that 61 percent of respondents across the political spectrum have modified their grocery purchases due to persistently high prices.
The poll also revealed that 59 percent of Americans have cut back on extras and entertainment, 44 percent have significantly reduced driving, 31 percent have postponed medical treatments, and 27 percent have taken on a second job to make ends meet. These findings underscore the economy as a major concern for voters, posing challenges for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
A separate Gallup poll indicated that only 16 percent of Americans rate the economy as excellent or good, while 76 percent believe economic conditions are worsening. Half of respondents described conditions as poor, with the Iran war cited as a driver of ongoing inflation and soaring gas prices. Economic confidence has hit a four-month low, and gas prices remain high at $4.45 per gallon nationwide.
According to a Fox News poll, about eight in ten voters across party lines hold the Trump administration responsible for the price hike, along with oil companies, government regulations, and the war in Iran. President Trump has downplayed consumer concerns, stating, "I don't think about American financial situation — I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon."
Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, defended the administration's record, arguing that increased spending reflects optimism. "While people have been spending more money at gas stations, they’ve been spending more money on everything else, which means that they’re still very, very optimistic about the state of the economy," he said. Hassett predicted that gas prices could "resolve itself much faster than people think," but offered no clear timeline.
