New Survey by Politico Reveals Americans, Including GOP Voters, Hold Trump Responsible for the Affordability Crisis

A recent survey indicates that both Republican and Democratic voters are attributing the ongoing affordability challenges in the U.S. to former President Donald Trump. The poll, conducted by Politico from November 14 to 17, questioned 2,098 adults across the country about economic pressures and cost-of-living concerns.

Nearly half of respondents, 46%, described current living expenses as the worst they can remember. Among those who supported Trump in the 2024 election, 37% shared this view. Overall, 46% of Americans said that Trumps policies and his administration bear responsibility for the financial difficulties people are facing today.

Among voters supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, 53% reported that todays cost of living is the most severe they have ever experienced. Politico noted that these numbers could signal trouble for Republicans ahead of next years midterm elections, as some segments of Trumps previous base are showing signs of dissatisfaction due to economic pressures.

GOP strategist Ford OConnell referenced the recent Tennessee congressional race, in which MAGA-backed Matt Van Epps narrowly defeated progressive Aftyn Behn. OConnell remarked that while this is a minor warning, it emphasizes the need for Republicans to mobilize fully to retain control of the House in 2026.

Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly criticized the Democrats approach to affordability, describing it as a con job. During a recent Cabinet meeting, he claimed that Democrats discussion of affordability is empty rhetoric and highlighted the inflation he inherited as evidence that true affordability has been unattainable.

Trump also criticized Democratic lawmakers, stating that they lack awareness of rising prices and emphasized plans for economic initiatives, including exploring an Australian-style retirement program for Americans.

A White House spokesperson noted that it is premature to evaluate the economy solely based on Trumps early actions in his second term. President Trump is just getting started implementing the policies that created historic economic prosperity in his first term, and Americans can rest assured that the best is yet to come, said Kush Desai.

The Politico poll was conducted by Public First and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Analysis: Trump and Affordability Concerns in U.S. Politics

The recent Politico survey underscores a significant perception among Americans that former President Donald Trump’s policies contribute to current affordability challenges. Nearly half of all respondents, 46%, described living expenses as the worst they have experienced, including 37% of Trump supporters.

The findings suggest that economic pressures are affecting voter sentiment across party lines. Among Vice President Kamala Harris supporters, 53% reported that the cost of living is historically high, highlighting widespread concern over inflation and daily expenses.

For Republicans, these numbers may signal challenges ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. GOP strategist Ford O’Connell noted that even narrow victories in races like the recent Tennessee congressional contest indicate the need for stronger mobilization to maintain House control.

Trump has responded by criticizing Democratic policies on affordability and emphasizing his economic initiatives, including proposals for an Australian-style retirement program. Meanwhile, the White House stresses that it is too early to judge the second term’s economic impact, pointing to achievements from his first term as precedent for future prosperity.

The survey, conducted from November 14 to 17 among 2,098 adults, carries a margin of error of ±2 percentage points, reflecting a robust but not definitive snapshot of voter perceptions on economic issues.

Sources:

• New Politico Poll Shows Americans, Even GOP Voters, Are Blaming Trump For The Affordability Crisis