US midterms: 53% of American voters say their financial condition has worsened under Trump, poll reveals
As Republicans and Democrats gear up for November midterms, a recent poll revealed that at least 53 per cent of voters feel their financial condition worsened under Trump, while 64 per cent believe the economy is headed in the wrong direction.
A recent poll shows that 53% of American voters believe their financial situation has worsened under President Donald Trump's administration, signaling growing discontent ahead of the critical November midterm elections. Conducted by Focaldata, the survey of 1,913 registered voters from August 7 to 10, 2026, found that 26% said their finances were about the same and 21% felt better off.
Among Democrats, 78% reported worse off finances compared to 57% of independents. Republicans were more positive, with 42% saying they were better off, while 23% said they were worse off and 35% that their financial situation remained about the same.
The poll revealed that Democrats were more inclined to trust Democrats over Republicans to address issues like inflation and rising living costs. Voters also expressed a majority belief that the US economy was moving in the wrong direction, with 64% saying so. Democrats were even more pessimistic, with 86% believing the economy was heading in the wrong direction, compared to 67% of independents.
Republicans were more optimistic, with 53% saying the economy was moving in the right direction. The poll came amid tensions following Trump's launch of the US-Iran war, which has contributed to higher borrowing costs and increased prices for goods.
Despite a slight improvement in consumer prices last month, inflation remained at 3.4%, still above the level during Trump's first term. In disapproval ratings, 55% of voters disapproved of Trump's job performance, including 20% of Republicans. His support among Republicans showed signs of weakening, with his net approval rating dropping eight percentage points from the previous month.
Trump's handling of inflation and the cost of living drew particularly low ratings, with 64% disapproving, particularly among independents (70%) and about one-third of Republicans. Disapproval extended to most economic issues, including immigration and border security (45%), inflation and living costs (64%), jobs and the economy (56%), healthcare (52%), and tariffs and trade (52%).
Despite Trump's downplaying of the midterms, the growing dissatisfaction could impact the Republican president's chances in the upcoming elections.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
