A majority of Americans state that the current cost of living is the highest they can remember, with most placing responsibility on President Donald Trump, according to a Public First poll published by Politico.
The survey of 2,065 adults found that 53 percent of respondents could not recall a time they struggled harder to make ends meet, up from 46 percent in November. Additionally, 46 percent felt Trump was fully or mostly responsible for the state of the economy, a figure unchanged from six months ago.
The data showed widespread concern over everyday expenses, with 79 percent reporting that gas prices had risen since Trump took office last year, 77 percent stating food was more expensive, and 62 percent noting a rise in the cost of medicine.
The poll also highlighted public sentiment regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Fifty-eight percent of respondents felt Trump has not done enough to protect the country from the economic impacts of the war, while 25 percent believed he has.
Political divisions were clear, as 42 percent of Trump voters supported continuing the conflict even if it drives prices higher, compared to just 11 percent of Vice President Kamala Harris voters and 22 percent of respondents overall.
In response to these economic concerns, White House senior deputy press secretary Kush Desai acknowledged short-term disruptions from Operation Epic Fury but stated the administration remains focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and energy production to stabilize the economy. Desai added that economic conditions, including gas prices and inflation, would improve once the Iranian threat is neutralized and shipping traffic normalizes.
However, political analysts point out that denying the economic strain is a risky strategy when voters are feeling immediate financial pressure. Republican strategists noted that the party’s upcoming midterm election prospects will heavily depend on reducing fuel costs back to pre-conflict levels in the specific congressional districts that will decide control of the House.
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