Fresh sociological research data paints a troubling picture for the White House: more than 53% of registered voters in the United States report a deterioration in their financial situation after Donald Trump's return to the White House. This is an alarming signal for an administration that has made the economy its main trump card.
Popular discontent: numbers and facts
A poll conducted from August 7 to 10 among 1,913 registered voters (margin of error — 2.9%) revealed a record level of pessimism. Nearly 57% of independent voters said their financial situation had worsened, and even among Republicans, about 25% of respondents gave such an answer. Overall, dissatisfaction with the president's performance reached 55%, with nearly 20% of them being members of his own party. Over the course of a month, the approval rating within the party fell by 8 points.
The issue of inflation is particularly acute. Trump's policy on combating price increases is disapproved of by 64% of voters, and among independents this figure reaches nearly 70%. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) believe the economy is moving in the wrong direction. For comparison: only one in four respondents holds the opposite opinion. Democrats lead Republicans on key issues (44% versus 39%), including inflation and employment.
Macroeconomic backdrop: inflation and trust
July inflation stood at 3.4% — higher than the figure at the end of Joe Biden's term. The consumer sentiment index fell to nearly a record low, and real earnings shrank over the past month. Voters consistently name inflation and the cost of living as the country's most acute problems, and the dissatisfaction of 64% of respondents has become the worst indicator for the current administration.
The White House, however, parries the criticism. Administration representative Kush Desai stated that the president's course is being implemented consistently: drug prices are falling, jobs are returning to the United States, and taxes are being reduced. He also noted a historic reduction in violent crime and the most reliable border protection in history.
Midterm elections as a referendum
The poll was published ahead of the November midterm congressional elections, which are traditionally perceived as a referendum on the incumbent president's performance. Fresh inflation data will be released before November, and it is precisely this data that will show whether the affordability of goods and services changes enough to shift voter sentiment.
My analysis: The sharp decline in trust even among Republicans is not just numbers, but a marker of deep-seated disappointment. For markets, this is a signal of growing uncertainty in U.S. fiscal policy, which could increase volatility in the dollar and, consequently, in crypto assets. Investors should closely monitor inflation data in the coming weeks — it will become a key trigger for reassessing risks.