Six out of 10 Americans blame the Trump administration for driving up their cost of living, according to a new poll conducted by Morning Consult for the Century Foundation. The survey of 2,007 Americans found that 63% said Trump had a negative impact on grocery prices, and 61% said he had a negative impact on the cost of living. Nearly half (49%) said the administration had negatively affected their finances.
The poll also revealed widespread concern over tariffs, with nearly eight out of 10 Americans—including 70% of Republicans—fearing that Trump's tariffs will increase the price of everyday goods. Julie Margetta Morgan, president of the Century Foundation, said: 'Donald Trump has simultaneously raised prices on everyday goods through a reckless approach to tariffs, a decimation of programs that help Americans afford healthcare, education, food and childcare, and then kneecapping federal regulators who keep banks and other big businesses from swindling consumers.'
More than six out of 10 Americans said it had become more difficult to find a good paying job, buy a home, and afford childcare. Over four out of five (83%) expressed concern about the cost of groceries, with 46% very concerned. Some 47% worried about paying rent or mortgage, and 64% about affording an unexpected medical expense. About 48% believed they would struggle to afford an unexpected $500 bill without borrowing.
A quarter of respondents said they spent at least three hours a day worrying about their finances, and 25% reported that someone in their household had skipped meals in the past year to make ends meet. Additionally, 26% said they had fallen behind on monthly bills over the past year. The poll also found that 76% of Americans fear a looming economic recession.
Corporations and billionaires were seen as significant factors behind financial anxiety, with 51% saying corporations have made life more difficult over the past 25 years, and 52% saying billionaires have done so. Half of those polled also blamed congressional Republicans, while 41% blamed Democrats. Rachel West, senior fellow at the Century Foundation, said: 'Millions of Americans, across parties, across backgrounds, are deeply anxious, and they’re struggling to afford basics like housing and health care. Donald Trump is making these struggles worse.'
