January 1, Dissatisfaction Surges as Prices and Worries Mount

Wyatt’s Take

• Voters are fed up with rising costs and weak economy.
• Support is slipping even among President Trump’s core base.
• Americans see both parties failing to put working folks first.

Most voters see the economy as worse now, with 76% rating it negatively—up sharply from last year. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing have gotten more expensive, hitting families hard.

Approval for President Trump’s handling of the economy has dropped to new lows, with even his strongest supporters showing more frustration than before. Disapproval of his overall job performance has hit record highs among men, white voters, and people without college degrees.

Only 41% approve of the job the president is doing, while 58% disapprove. That’s a bigger gap than we’ve seen for Trump before, and only one time during his first term was it lower.

People blame leaders on both sides. By nearly 2 to 1, voters say Trump is more responsible for the economy right now than Biden. Even many Republicans and independents pin the blame on Trump for their financial struggles.

Most folks rate their personal finances as fair or poor, especially among working-class groups. Incomes under $50,000 are particularly feeling the struggle, with nearly eight in ten rating their finances as negative.

Costs for utilities, healthcare, and gasoline have climbed for nearly everyone—no matter their politics. A whopping 85% say groceries went up in 2023, including 60% who saw big jumps.

When it comes to issues, voters think Republicans have better plans for border security and crime. Democrats, though, are seen as better at handling healthcare, affordability, and wages.

Cynicism is high, with more than half saying neither party’s leaders really care about regular people.

Approval ratings are falling for both parties, and the recent government shutdown didn’t help anyone’s image.

“People are struggling to afford necessities and blaming those in charge,”

Pollster Daron Shaw said.

While the Obamacare healthcare law remains popular, Trump’s approval on healthcare sits at its lowest point.

The government shutdown didn’t give either side a win, with most folks saying it caused little hardship but disapproving of how leaders handled it.

Read the full survey results here

Wyatt Matters

The numbers show regular Americans are tired of being squeezed while politicians point fingers. Families need relief and leaders who actually care about their struggles, not more gridlock and rising bills.