A profound disconnect is emerging between the White House's priorities and the daily struggles of American families, according to a revealing new poll. As President Donald Trump celebrates multi-trillion dollar investments from tech giants, most citizens are preoccupied with a far more pressing issue: the relentless inflation that is squeezing their household budgets.
Poll Reveals Deep Voter Frustration
The latest Daily Mail/J.L. Partners online poll of approximately 1,250 US registered voters paints a stark picture of public sentiment. The survey found that inflation and the cost of living represent the leading sources of dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. These twin issues, alongside healthcare, are now threatening to destabilise the president's second term as it approaches its second year.
Sarah Selip, founder of 917 Strategies and a former GOP House aide, summarised the political reality succinctly: 'Affordability will be the buzzword of the 2026 election cycle.'
White House Focus Versus Voter Concerns
While the administration has dedicated significant time to policies on artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, small business regulations, and energy, the poll indicates these rank as the four lowest priorities for voters. Since September alone, President Trump has enacted at least four executive actions related to AI and attended at least three formal dinner parties with executives like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Apple's Tim Cook, as well as world leaders including Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman and Britain's King Charles.
This focus on high-level corporate and diplomatic engagements has led to criticism that the interests of ordinary blue-collar and white-collar workers are being sidelined in favour of 'tuxedo-wearing titans' invited to White House soirees.
Political Fallout and Rising Discontent
The political consequences are becoming clear. The poll matched President Trump's worst disapproval rating to date at 55 percent. Vice President JD Vance and the entire Cabinet also saw their favourability ratings decline.
James Johnson, founder of J.L. Partners, analysed the shift: 'Through a combination of the shutdown, and one year on from the election, voters seem to have turned around and asked: ‘am I better off than I was a year ago?’. The answer for many – going by this poll – is no, or even that things have got worse.'
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party and its potential 2028 candidates are gaining ground. The survey found that California Governor Gavin Newsom would beat VP JD Vance 43 percent to 36 percent in a hypothetical matchup. Former VP Kamala Harris and New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would also defeat Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Brittany Martinez, executive director of the right-leaning firm Principles First, stated: 'Voters are frustrated. While the administration touts billion-dollar announcements and high-profile corporate deals, most Americans are focused on far more basic needs: whether they can afford groceries, gas, and a good life.'
The White House responded by pointing the finger at the previous administration. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told the Daily Mail: 'After four years of economic calamity under Biden, American families will continue to feel economic relief in the months ahead as the positive effects of massive tax cuts, deregulation, and energy dominance continue to materialize.'
However, the poll indicates that Democrats are now more trusted on cost-of-living policies than Republicans. With Democrats needing to flip just three House seats and four Senate seats to regain control of Congress, the affordability crisis could prove decisive in the upcoming midterm elections.
