A new poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans attribute the rising cost of living to President Donald Trump's policies. According to a CNN/SSRS survey conducted between late April and early May, approximately 77 percent of respondents stated that Trump's policies have driven up the cost of living. Many specifically pointed to his decision to engage in war with Iran and the implementation of tariffs as primary causes.
Economic Promises vs. Reality
Trump campaigned on a platform of economic prosperity, promising to end inflation, lower energy prices, and reduce the cost of everyday items like groceries. While he managed to fulfill some of these promises during his first year in office, the economic landscape has shifted dramatically since the onset of military action in Iran in February. The tangible consequences for average Americans are evident in rising prices across multiple sectors.
As of May 12, AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $4.50, a sharp increase from $3.13 one year earlier. The Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation, indicated that consumer prices continued to climb in April, rising 3.8 percent compared to the previous year.
Public Sentiment on the Economy
General morale regarding the president's handling of the economy has reached an all-time low. The CNN/SSRS poll found that roughly 70 percent of respondents disapprove of the economy under Trump's leadership. This sentiment is echoed in other surveys, including a Reuters/Ipsos poll that showed 63 percent disapproval of Trump's economic management and approximately 70 percent disapproval of his handling of the cost of living at the end of April. A Gallup poll conducted in April also revealed that nearly half of U.S. adults describe economic conditions as "poor."
Key Factors Driving Costs
Gasoline prices surpassed $4 per gallon in March for the first time since 2022, driven by disruptions in oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. Grocery prices have also risen, increasing by 2.9 percent year-over-year. Housing costs remain a significant burden, particularly for young people. Mortgage rates have steadily increased since 2022, with a notable jump shortly after the Iran war. Approximately 10 percent of CNN/SSRS respondents identified housing costs and the housing market as the biggest issues facing their families.
Trump has urged Congress to pass a housing bill aimed at lowering costs by restricting large investors from purchasing single-family homes. However, the legislation has faced opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Healthcare Affordability
Healthcare costs are increasingly flagged as a major concern for American families. A Pew Research Center survey found that 73 percent of adults consider the affordability of healthcare a significant problem, up six percentage points from the previous year. The Trump administration has sought to address prescription medication costs through initiatives like TrumpRX, a website offering discounted prices, and tariffs on foreign pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, Democrats have criticized the president's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing that it makes healthcare more expensive by cutting Medicaid funding and tightening eligibility requirements.
Political Implications
Most Americans view the cost of living and the economy as the most pressing issues facing the country, which is likely to influence voter behavior in the November midterm elections. Historically, Republicans have been trusted more on economic matters, but the CNN/SSRS poll found registered voters evenly split between the two parties when asked which would handle the economy better. A significant portion of voters expressed distrust in both parties. Nonetheless, many blame the president's policies for driving up everyday prices.
The White House has been contacted for comment on these findings.
