Two-thirds of Americans say President Trump's policies are making the economy worse in the short term, and his overall approval rating has dropped to its lowest point of his second term, according to a CBS News poll.
The survey found that feelings of financial security and contentment are down from this time last year, with economic ratings sliding to levels not seen since 2023. Three-quarters of respondents said incomes are not keeping up with inflation. Most Americans described their feelings about the administration's economic approach as either frustrated or angry.
Concerns about the economy are being driven in part by the ongoing conflict with Iran. Most Americans said they are not getting a clear picture of what is happening day to day in the Strait of Hormuz, and most do not think the conflict has helped U.S. economic interests. Gas prices were cited as an increasing burden on household finances. Perceptions of military success in the conflict were comparatively higher, but many said it was too soon to judge whether the conflict was advancing U.S. strategic interests.
Trump's ratings for handling the economy and inflation have continued to decline. Among Republicans, who still give the president high marks on immigration and overall performance, approval specifically on inflation has fallen to 63 percent. That compares to 89 percent approval on immigration and 85 percent overall. Republicans who gave the president negative marks on inflation described their feelings as frustrated rather than angry.
A growing number of Americans also said they believe opportunities are worse for them than for their parents' generation. Worry that artificial intelligence will take jobs added to broader economic anxiety in the poll results.
Neither political party fared well on the question of helping with the cost of living. No majority of Americans said either party was making progress on that front. The poll found that most Americans describe the current economic situation using the word uncertain, reflecting both immediate concerns about gas prices and the Iran conflict and longer-term doubts about the direction of the economy.
