Poll Shows Americans View Economy Negatively as Gas Prices Rise

A CBS News/YouGov poll released May 17 found most Americans pessimistic about the economy and critical of President Donald Trump's handling of inflation. The survey showed 27 percent of respondents approved of Trump's performance on inflation, down from 31 percent in April. Approval among Republicans fell from 74 percent in March to 63 percent.

Sixty-three percent of respondents described the economy as struggling and 65 percent called it uncertain. Only 29 percent rated the economy as good. Seventy-seven percent said their incomes are not keeping up with expenses. Thirty-eight percent said they felt frustrated about the administration's economic policies and 32 percent said they felt angry.

8 percent year-over-year in April, the largest increase since May 2023. 4 percent rise in gas prices contributed to the monthly increase. 50 since February 26, according to AAA. 65. 02 on Friday, more than 60 percent higher than the February 27 close.

-Israel conflict with Iran has halted most tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. and Israeli strikes with missile and drone attacks, according to the Daily Caller report. Sixty-five percent of respondents said Trump's policies are making the economy worse in the short term, while 50 percent said the same about the long term.

Fifty-nine percent said gas prices represent a financial hardship. Nearly 70 percent said they are not receiving a clear understanding of developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

“American voters have become more pessimistic about the economy since the start of the conflict with Iran, according to a CBS News poll released Sunday.”