Concerns over the cost of living have emerged as the primary issue for many Americans, according to a recent poll conducted by SSRS for CNN. Despite President Donald Trump‘s assertions that the economy is thriving, 32 percent of respondents indicated that economic issues, particularly affordability, should be his focus. Among Republican voters and Republican-leaning independents, this figure rises to approximately 40 percent.
The poll highlights a stark contrast in priorities, with only 5 percent of all respondents mentioning immigration and border enforcement, and a mere 1 percent citing crime and public safety as pressing concerns. These findings come alongside a notable decline in consumer confidence in the U.S. economy, which fell for the fifth consecutive month in December 2023, as reported by the Conference Board.
In his speeches and on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump has claimed that America is experiencing a “golden age.” He stated, “While my great work on the Economy has not yet been fully appreciated, it will be!” Furthermore, he characterized the term affordability as a “Democrat scam” in December.
Despite these claims, public sentiment suggests a growing discontent. The CNN poll identified specific economic concerns among respondents, such as the need for assistance to the middle class, rising healthcare costs, and increases in housing and food prices. Altogether, these issues accounted for 32 percent of responses.
Notably, 16 percent of respondents expressed a desire for Trump to resign, while only 8 percent provided general positive feedback. The Conference Board revealed that its consumer confidence index dropped from 92.9 in October to 89.1 in November, with assessments of current business conditions turning negative for the first time since September 2024.
In a contrasting view, a survey conducted by the University of Michigan showed a slight improvement in consumer sentiment in December compared to October. Former Trump supporter turned critic, Marjorie Taylor Greene, pointed to data indicating that healthcare costs significantly contributed to the increase in consumer spending during the third quarter of 2023. She stated, “I’ve warned for months now of the financial crisis for Americans regarding healthcare and here it is.”
Greene also emphasized that Republican inaction on this issue could have significant repercussions in future elections, particularly in the midterms. Many voters appear skeptical about the likelihood of a resolution to their financial concerns. The CNN poll revealed that 51 percent of respondents do not believe Trump cares about their opinions, while around 38 percent feel similarly about Democratic leaders.
As discussions of affordability and economic stability continue, the divide between political rhetoric and public sentiment remains evident. The upcoming months may prove crucial in determining how these concerns influence voter behavior in future elections.
