Trump Hit by Devastating Poll as Voters Say They’re Getting Poorer

Key Points:

• A Gallup poll reveals that more Americans feel they are getting poorer than at any time in the past 25 years, marking the highest level since 2001 and surpassing economic strains during the pandemic and financial crisis.
• This trend, now in its fifth consecutive year, poses a significant political risk for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, with affordability and the cost of living being top voter concerns.
• Despite Trump's optimistic claims about economic growth and new business developments, rising oil and gas prices—linked to the conflict with Iran—have increased energy costs, now cited by 13 percent of Americans as their primary financial worry, the highest since 2008.
• Many households are responding to higher fuel prices by cutting back on spending and relying more on credit, intensifying concerns about affordability that experts warn could impact Republican performance in the upcoming midterms.
• Former White House official Marc Short acknowledged that continued price increases present a growing challenge for Republicans, suggesting that if economic pain persists, it may lead to greater electoral difficulties in November.