A new national survey reveals a growing political challenge for President Donald Trump: many Americans — including a notable portion of his own 2024 voters — now blame him for the ongoing affordability crisis affecting nearly every aspect of daily life.
According to The POLITICO Poll, 46% of Americans say the current cost of living is the worst they have ever experienced. Significantly, 37% of voters who supported Trump in 2024 share this view. Another 46% say the economic hardships facing families today are now Trump’s responsibility, marking a clear shift as he approaches his first midterm test since returning to the White House.
These findings highlight a troubling trend for Republicans. Several demographic groups that helped Trump reclaim the presidency are beginning to drift away — not over ideology, but over frustration with rising prices. Democrats have already capitalized on this shift, winning key races in New Jersey and Virginia, and performing unexpectedly well in a deep-red Tennessee district.
Republican strategists warn that the party’s hold on the House in 2026 now looks far less secure unless they can reverse economic perceptions.
Trump’s Economic Burden Grows — and Voter Patience Shrinks
One year into his term, Trump now faces the political consequences of inheriting — and attacking — the very economy he campaigned against. While GOP voters remain broadly supportive, the poll shows his weakest supporters are getting uneasy, particularly those who do not identify as “MAGA Republicans.”
Republicans are already concerned about turnout challenges in the midterms, especially when Trump personally isn’t on the ballot. Now they also face the possibility of defections among voters squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis — America’s top issue for 56% of respondents.
Economically, affordability pressures remain severe. The poll identifies the biggest financial pain points:
- 45% cite grocery prices
- 38% struggle with housing costs
- 34% identify health care as a major burden
Meanwhile, 43% of Americans — including nearly one-third of Trump voters — feel economic opportunity has declined.
Despite falling inflation, consumer sentiment remains near historic lows. The survey also shows more Americans blame Trump (46%) for the economy than Biden (29%), indicating that public expectations have fully shifted to the new administration.
A Warning Sign: Trump’s Coalition Is Splintering
Trump’s 2024 victory was powered partly by voters outside his traditional base. But those “non-MAGA” Republicans now show rising frustration:
- 29% say Trump has had a chance to improve the economy but hasn’t acted
- Only 11% of MAGA Republicans say the same
These voters are also more likely to blame Trump’s administration for rising costs on:
- Groceries
- Utilities
- Health care
Such divides are worrying for Republicans, who now face a difficult balancing act: defending Trump from criticism while trying to present their party as the answer to affordability concerns in 2026.
Democrats Smell Opportunity — and Are Already Targeting Trump’s Record
Democrats plan to aggressively link congressional Republicans to Trump’s economic management. They argue the GOP has failed to keep prices under control, pointing to Trump’s tariffs and supply chain policies as drivers of higher costs.
The strategy has already proven successful in multiple 2025 races nationwide, and party leaders expect affordability messaging to be central to their 2026 campaigns.
GOP officials counter that Republicans remain focused on lowering prices and reviving economic strength. Trump allies also insist the President is pursuing affordability goals — though his public messaging has been inconsistent.
In recent days, Trump has alternated between:
- Declaring himself “the Affordability President”, and
- Claiming affordability issues are a “Democrat scam”
This contradiction underscores the political uncertainty surrounding an issue that is increasingly defining voter sentiment.
The Bottom Line
The new polling data signals a pivotal moment: Trump is beginning to face the same economic headwinds that hampered Biden. If prices remain high, voters — including some who supported Trump in 2024 — may punish Republicans in the 2026 midterms.
For now, affordability is not just a policy challenge.
It is shaping up to be the defining political battleground of the next election cycle.
