Most Americans blame Trump for high prices as his economic approval hits new low, AP-NORC poll shows

Key Points:

• A majority of U.S. adults (65%) blame former President Trump's policies, including tariffs and the war with Iran, for persistently high costs, reflecting growing dissatisfaction ahead of the midterm elections.
• Economic concerns have intensified, with about half of Americans highly worried about affording essentials like groceries and gas, and Trump's approval on economic handling has dropped 14 points since March 2025.
• Even among Republicans, disapproval of Trump's management of the cost of living has increased, with about 6 in 10 expressing dissatisfaction, though 67% still attribute high prices to factors beyond his control.
• Public approval of Trump's trade policies and war efforts remains low, with only about 30% supporting his handling of trade negotiations and 28% approving of his approach to the Iran conflict.
• Overall presidential approval is weak, with only about 30% of Americans approving of Trump's job performance and 60% feeling the country is worse off than at the start of his second term, while border security remains one area of relative strength.