President Trump promised an economic improvement when he returned to office last year. However, recent surveys indicate that voter sentiment regarding the economy is increasingly negative, including among Republican voters.
The University of Michigan's May consumer sentiment survey revealed a decline in confidence among Republican and independent voters, marking the lowest point of Trump's second term. Expectations for high inflation have risen significantly, particularly among Republicans, with long-run inflation expectations more than double compared to February 2025.
An AP/NORC poll found that approximately 60% of Republicans approve of Trump's economic handling, down from 80% in February. Gallup's consumer economic confidence gauge also showed a decline over the past four months.
A CBS News/YouGov poll indicated that only 36% of Republicans believe Trump's policies have improved their financial situation, compared to 2% of Democrats and 14% of independents.
Factors contributing to this decline in sentiment include rising inflation, with 37% of Republicans disapproving of Trump's management of prices, and increasing gas prices, which have become a growing concern for Republican voters.
Despite these trends, analysts suggest that it is unlikely that Republicans will shift their voting patterns significantly due to economic concerns alone. White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the administration remains focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and energy policies to maintain economic stability.