Key Takeaways:
- The economy is a major concern for Americans, with 36% approving of President Trump’s handling of the economy, his worst mark in six years.
- Democrats are slightly more trusted to handle the economy than Republicans, with 37% to 33% margin.
- Many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, with 70% saying their expenses match or exceed their income every month.
- The cost of healthcare is a major concern, with 54% of respondents worried about being unable to pay for needed healthcare services.
- Americans are pessimistic about the future, with almost 6 in 10 saying they are more pessimistic about what’s ahead for the world in 2026.
Introduction to the Economic Challenges
The economy has been a relative strength of President Trump’s during his first term, but his promises to lower prices have not been fulfilled, and his handling of the economy has been met with disapproval from many Americans. According to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, only 36% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, which is his worst mark in the six years that Marist has been asking the question. This is a significant decline from his previous ratings, and it’s a stark reminder of the economic challenges that the country is facing.
Economic Pressures and Divides
The poll found that many Americans are having difficulty making ends meet, with 70% saying their expenses match or exceed their income every month. This is particularly true for non-whites and younger people, with 77% of Black respondents and 78% of Latino respondents saying their expenses match or exceed their income. The cost of healthcare is also a major concern, with 54% of respondents worried about being unable to pay for needed healthcare services. These economic pressures are taking a toll on Americans, with many feeling that the economy is not working for them personally. Roughly 6 in 10 said the economy is not working well for them, and more said their financial situation has gotten worse in the past year than better.
Partisan Divides and Demographic Splits
There are significant partisan divides and demographic splits in the poll, with Democrats and independents more likely to say that the economy is not working for them personally. However, Republicans remain optimistic, with two-thirds saying the economy is working well for them. There are also significant divides by race, age, income, education, and gender, with white women without college degrees being a key group that is struggling. For example, 69% of white women without degrees said the economy isn’t working for them, compared to 51% of white non-degreed men. These divides are evident throughout the survey, with different groups having different concerns and priorities when it comes to the economy.
Pessimism about the Future
As the new year approaches, almost 6 in 10 said they are more pessimistic about what’s ahead for the world in 2026. This pessimism is particularly pronounced among Democrats, white women with college degrees, independents, and Latinos. On the other hand, Republicans, white evangelical Christians, people who live in rural areas, and whites without degrees are more optimistic about the future. The survey also found that a significant share of respondents said the country is headed in the wrong direction, with 63% saying so. These findings suggest that Americans are worried about the future and are looking for leaders who can address their economic concerns and provide a sense of hope and optimism.
Conclusion and Implications
The poll’s findings have significant implications for President Trump and his administration, as well as for the broader economic debate in the country. The fact that Americans are struggling to make ends meet and are worried about the cost of healthcare suggests that the economy is not working for many people. The partisan divides and demographic splits in the poll also suggest that there are different perspectives on the economy and different priorities for addressing economic challenges. As the country looks to the future, it’s clear that addressing these economic challenges will be a major task for leaders and policymakers. By understanding the concerns and priorities of different groups, policymakers can develop targeted solutions that address the specific needs of each group. Ultimately, the goal should be to create an economy that works for everyone, not just a select few.
