by A new Reuters/Ipsos poll has shed light on a concerning trend for former U.S. President Donald Trump, revealing a noticeable dip in his popularity as Americans continue to grapple with the rising cost of living. Despite being the presumptive Republican frontrunner for the 2026 political landscape and maintaining strong support among his core base, the latest data suggests that inflation, housing costs, and everyday expenses are taking a toll on public sentiment — even among some of his previous supporters.
The poll underscores that economic anxiety remains the defining issue for most Americans, overshadowing partisan loyalties and even cultural debates that once dominated headlines. As households tighten their budgets, frustration over high grocery prices, rent hikes, and healthcare costs is translating into broader disillusionment with national leadership — including Trump, who has long pitched himself as a champion of the working class.
Poll Findings: A Shift in Sentiment
According to the Reuters/Ipsos national survey, conducted over the past week, Trump’s approval rating has slipped by Popularity several points, marking one of the sharpest short-term declines since he began his post-presidency political comeback. While he continues to hold a solid lead among registered Republicans, his favorability among independent voters and moderate conservatives has notably weakened.
The poll found that just under 40% of Americans view Trump favorably, down from nearly 45% a month earlier. In contrast, over 55% expressed unfavorable views, with economic dissatisfaction cited as the leading reason for their discontent.
When asked to identify their top concern, inflation dominated the list, followed by Popularity housing affordability, healthcare expenses, and wage stagnation. Nearly 70% of respondents said they feel their financial situation has “worsened” or “stayed the same” over the past year — a sentiment that transcends political affiliation.
These results indicate that while Trump remains a powerful political force, his brand as a populist defender of “forgotten Americans” is being tested against the harsh economic realities facing many households.
Economic Struggles: A Nonpartisan Crisis
The cost-of-living crisis has become a rare unifying concern across the political spectrum. Rising prices for essentials such as food, housing, and fuel have impacted both rural and urban communities, erasing much of the wage growth seen in recent years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has moderated from its 2022 peak but remains stubbornly high Popularity , particularly in key consumer categories. Grocery prices have climbed over 25% since 2020, while rents have risen more than 20% nationwide. Utility bills, insurance premiums, and healthcare costs continue to soar, further straining middle- and lower-income families.
Even as the broader Popularity economy shows signs of resilience — with unemployment rates relatively low and GDP growth steady — the disconnect between macroeconomic data and household reality is widening. Many Americans simply don’t feel better off, regardless of which party is in Popularity power.
This economic unease has left political leaders vulnerable, including Trump, who has often touted his presidency as a period of economic prosperity. The current downturn in his popularity reflects that voters are increasingly looking for tangible solutions rather than political rhetoric.
Trump’s Response to the Poll
Trump, known for his assertive style and disdain for negative polling, dismissed the results during a campaign appearance in Michigan. “The fake news polls never get it right,” he declared. “The American people know that under Trump, we had low inflation, cheap gas, and strong jobs. What we have now is chaos and high prices — that’s not on me, that’s on the people running the country now.”
His remarks drew applause from supporters but failed to address a key issue highlighted in the poll — economic trust. While many voters still associate Trump with a stronger pre-pandemic economy, the lingering effects of inflation and the current administration’s attempts to stabilize prices have blurred those memories.
Political analysts argue that Trump’s challenge lies not in mobilizing his base, but in reconnecting with swing voters who once admired his economic record but now question his ability to deliver real relief in a changed world.
Independent Voters Growing Restless
Independent voters — the group that often decides close elections — have become increasingly restless, according to the Reuters/Ipsos data. Among independents surveyed, nearly 65% said they disapprove of Trump’s approach to economic issues, while 58% expressed doubt that his policies would reduce costs if he were re-elected.
Interestingly, the same demographic also expressed skepticism toward current Democratic leadership, revealing a deep sense of disillusionment with both major parties. The poll found that a record 38% of Americans now identify as politically unaffiliated, signaling an erosion of faith in traditional political solutions.
For Trump, this poses a serious strategic challenge. His populist message — once a potent weapon against the political establishment — now competes with widespread cynicism and fatigue among voters who feel that both parties have failed to address their daily struggles.
The Cost-of-Living Pressure Cooker
The rising cost of living is no longer just an economic statistic; it’s a daily source of stress for millions of Americans. Families report cutting back on dining out, postponing vacations, and even skipping medical care to make ends meet. Many first-time homebuyers find themselves locked out of the market entirely due to record-high mortgage rates.
Economists warn that if wages fail to catch up with prices, the U.S. could face a long-term decline in consumer confidence — a critical measure that drives spending and growth.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll reflects that reality, with 72% of respondents saying they are “very concerned” about the cost of living, and 60% saying they’ve made significant lifestyle changes over the past year.
Such economic pessimism tends to hurt incumbents, but it also damages political challengers who fail to present credible solutions. In Trump’s case, his focus on immigration, foreign policy, and culture wars may resonate with loyalists, but economic issues remain the number-one priority for the broader electorate.
Comparisons to Biden’s Ratings
While Trump’s approval has dipped, President Joe Biden’s numbers are not significantly better. The same poll found that Biden’s approval rating remains below 40%, with similar concerns about inflation and affordability weighing down his administration’s image.
The public’s dissatisfaction with both figures underscores a growing “anti-establishment fatigue” in American politics. Many voters appear to be losing faith in the idea that either major candidate can deliver meaningful change.
Some analysts suggest that this mutual unpopularity could open the door for third-party or independent candidates, who might capitalize on widespread frustration with the political status quo. However, history shows that while third-party bids generate attention, they rarely secure decisive victories.
Analysts Weigh In
Political observers see Trump’s recent dip as a warning sign rather than a death knell. Dr. Rachel Menendez, a political analyst at Georgetown University, explained, “The numbers show erosion, but not collapse. Trump still commands immense loyalty among his base. The challenge is expanding that base without alienating moderates.”
She added, “Economic discontent is powerful, but it’s also volatile. If voters perceive that Trump can offer stability or relief, they may return to him quickly. But if he continues to focus more on grievance politics than economic policy, his popularity may continue to slip.”
Similarly, other analysts note that while polls provide valuable snapshots, they don’t always predict long-term trends — especially when it comes to Trump, whose appeal has repeatedly defied conventional polling.
Public Fatigue and the 2026 Outlook
The Reuters/Ipsos poll also highlights a broader sense of national fatigue — not just with Trump or Biden, but with the entire political system. Over 60% of respondents said they believe “neither party truly represents ordinary Americans,” and 55% Popularity agreed that “politicians talk about inflation but don’t understand it.”
This growing cynicism could make future elections more unpredictable. Historically, economic pain has been a decisive factor in voter behavior, and if inflation remains high, it may reshape alliances and turnout patterns across the country.
Trump’s team, aware of the shifting mood, is reportedly recalibrating campaign messaging to emphasize “economic empowerment” and “energy independence” — themes that resonate with working-class voters.
Conclusion
The Reuters/Ipsos poll offers a revealing glimpse into the current mood of the American electorate: anxious, frustrated, and skeptical. As the cost of living continues to rise, voters are losing patience with political promises, demanding practical solutions over rhetoric.
For Donald Trump, the dip in popularity is both a warning and an opportunity. While the economic pain has weakened his standing among independents and moderates, it also provides a platform for him to reassert his message of economic revival — if he can adapt it to the realities of 2025.
Ultimately, the poll reflects more than just shifting political numbers; it captures a deeper sense of uncertainty about the American dream itself. As families struggle to keep up with expenses and politicians trade blame, one truth stands out: until the cost of living stabilizes, no leader — past or present — will be immune from public scrutiny.
