A recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll highlights growing American unease over job security and persistent cost-of-living pressures during President Donald Trump's second term. Despite promises of an economic resurgence, respondents cited hiring slowdowns, inflation spikes, and policy decisions like tariffs as major hurdles, signaling potential challenges for Republicans ahead of upcoming elections.
Job Market Confidence Plummets
Nearly half of U.S. adults—47%—now express little to no confidence in their ability to land a quality job, up from 37% in October 2023. This marks a sharp decline from four years ago, when 36% felt "extremely" or "very" confident, compared to just 21% today. The shift coincides with sluggish hiring, averaging under 27,000 jobs added monthly since April tariff implementations, a stark contrast to the robust post-pandemic recovery under President Joe Biden.
Trump's economic approval rating stands at a steady but underwhelming 36%, with only 71% of Republicans backing his approach—a figure lower than the 73% of Democrats who approved of Biden's handling at a similar point in 2021. Independents show even less support, with just 18% approving of Trump's strategy versus 29% for Biden then.
Everyday Costs Fuel Widespread Stress
High prices continue to dominate household concerns:
- **Groceries**: 54% view this as a "major" stressor, up slightly from prior surveys.
- **Housing and Health Care**: Around 40% report significant strain from each.
- **Gasoline**: One-third cite it as a top worry.
- **Electricity Bills**: An emerging flashpoint, with 36% calling it a "major" source of stress—exacerbated by canceled renewable energy funding, tariffs on power equipment, and looming AI data center demands that could strain the grid further.
While 40% see electricity as only a "minor" issue and 23% report no stress at all, anecdotes underscore the pain points. In Greensboro, North Carolina, retiree Linda Weavil, 76—a 2024 Trump voter—lamented tariff-driven price hikes on imported goods like chocolate for her church fundraiser: "I think he’s doing a great job on a lot of things, but I’m afraid our coffee and chocolate prices have gone up... That’s a kick in the back of the American people."
Similarly, Kevin Halsey, 58, from Normal, Illinois—a Democratic voter—saw his summer electricity bills soar from $90 to $300 after losing solar panel subsidies. "I’ve got to be pessimistic," he said. "I don’t see this as getting better."
Broader Financial Precarity and Partisan Divides
The poll paints a picture of middle-class erosion: 68% rate the overall economy as "poor," consistent with the past year, while 59% say their family finances are merely "holding steady." Just 12% feel they're "getting ahead," and 28% are "falling behind."
Confidence in handling surprises is low:
- 47% doubt they could cover an unexpected medical bill.
- 52% worry about retirement savings.
- 63% lack assurance in affording a new home, with young adults under 30 hit hardest—80% expressing low confidence versus 60% for those 60+.
Taxes, wages, and car-related costs add to the chorus of "minor" to "major" stressors for most. Unique Hopkins, 36, from Youngstown, Ohio—a former 2016 Trump supporter now working two jobs to support her family—captured the frustration: "It’s his way or no way. Nobody is going to unite with Trump if it’s all about you, you, you."
Policy Echoes and Political Implications
Trump inherited inflation from the Biden era but has faced criticism for amplifying it through tariffs, federal layoffs, and a protracted government shutdown. These moves, amid partisan gridlock, have stalled the anticipated boom. With low unemployment, stock gains, and moderate growth providing some bright spots, the disconnect between data and perception mirrors Biden's challenges in 2022, when inflation peaked, paving Trump's return.
As governors' races loom in New Jersey and Virginia, and midterms approach in 2026, the survey warns of vulnerabilities. Republicans may need to address these tangible pains to rebuild trust beyond their base.