Three Polls Show Declining Public Confidence in Economy

Three national polls released in mid-May show reduced public confidence in economic conditions and lower approval of President Trump's economic performance. The surveys recorded softening support among Republicans and broader dissatisfaction tied to inflation and living costs.

Overall national approval stood near one-third of respondents. The survey was conducted May 14–18 among 1,117 U.S. adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

Gallup reported that 16 percent of U.S. adults rated the economy as excellent or good, while 49 percent called it poor. The poll was conducted May 1–17 among 1,001 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

A Fox News survey found 77 percent of voters describing the economy as in bad shape and 23 percent rating conditions positively. Fifty-one percent said their own finances had worsened over the past two years. President Trump's approval on the economy stood at 29 percent and his rating on inflation at 24 percent.

Fifty-one percent of Republicans disapproved of his handling of inflation. The poll was conducted May 15–18 among 1,002 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. A White House spokesman stated that nearly 80 million Americans elected President Trump and pointed to the November 2024 election as the clearest indicator of public support.

The spokesman said the administration remains focused on jobs, inflation and housing affordability, adding that policy effects are still unfolding.