With less than three months to go before the November midterm elections, a national poll from research firm Focaldata shows that over 53% of registered U.S. voters say their financial situation has gotten worse since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
Nearly 57% of independent voters, along with almost a quarter of self-identified Republicans, also believe things have deteriorated under the current president.
The poll found that voters trust Democrats more than Republicans when it comes to handling inflation and the cost of living. It also shows Democrats holding an edge on jobs and the economy—issues that have long been considered Republican strengths.
The results suggest Trump and his party are facing an uphill battle, as Americans grow increasingly frustrated with the U.S. conflict with Iran, which has pushed up borrowing costs and the prices of gas and consumer goods.
Another set of data released on the 14th shows consumer confidence has slumped to near-historic lows, as high prices force many Americans to cut back on spending. Government data also shows real wages fell in July.
While Trump won’t appear on the ballot in November, midterm elections are typically seen as a referendum on the sitting president’s leadership.
Nearly two-thirds of registered voters believe the U.S. economy is headed in the wrong direction—including more than two-thirds of independents and over a third of Republicans. Only one in four registered voters thinks the economy is on the right track.
Nearly two-thirds of registered voters say the U.S. economy is heading in the wrong direction.
Additionally, 55% of registered voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president, including nearly 20% of Republicans.
The report notes a worrying sign for the White House: Trump’s net approval rating among Republican voters (the share who approve minus those who disapprove) dropped by 8 points from the previous month.
Trump’s numbers are even worse on inflation and the cost of living. Among registered voters, 64% disapprove of his handling of these issues, including nearly seven in ten independents and about a third of Republicans.
Multiple polls over the past few months suggest Democrats could reclaim control of the House, though taking the Senate is expected to be a tougher fight.
When asked who they’d vote for in November, registered voters favor Democrats over Republicans by 5 points—44% to 39%.
