Fresh sociological data reveals a troubling trend for the White House: more than 53% of registered voters in the US say their financial situation has worsened since Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office. These are not just numbers — this is a direct signal that the administration's economic agenda is stalling, and the promises to "bring back prosperity" are not yet resonating with the public.
Discontent has even penetrated the Republican camp
A poll conducted in early August among 1,913 registered voters (margin of error 2.9%) exposes the depth of the problem. Nearly 57% of independent voters report a deterioration in their financial situation, and even about 25% of Republicans are forced to admit this. Trump's job approval rating among his own party dropped by 8 points in a month — an alarming wake-up call for strategists accustomed to relying on consolidated support.
The issue of inflation is particularly acute. 64% of respondents disapprove of the president's policies in fighting price increases, and among independents this figure reaches nearly 70%. At the same time, 67% of respondents believe the economy is heading in the wrong direction — and only one in four thinks otherwise. Democrats lead Republicans on key issues (44% vs. 39%), including inflation and employment.
Macroeconomic realities versus rhetoric
The White House, of course, counters criticism by citing lower drug prices, the return of jobs, and tax relief. However, macroeconomic indicators speak for themselves: July inflation stood at 3.4% — higher than at the end of Joe Biden's presidential term. The consumer sentiment index has slid to near-record lows, and real earnings declined over the month. For the average American who deals with prices on store shelves daily, these figures are not an abstraction but a harsh reality.
The key question is whether the administration can turn the situation around before the November midterm elections. Fresh inflation data expected in the coming months will be the litmus test. If the affordability of goods and services does not improve, voter disappointment could become a decisive factor that reshapes the balance of power in Congress.
My view as an analyst: Markets are already pricing in political instability in the US, and this indirectly pressures the dollar and risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. If inflation expectations continue to rise and the Fed maintains a hawkish stance, we could see heightened volatility in financial markets right up to the elections. Investors should closely monitor consumer sentiment — it often leads official statistics.