New POLITICO Poll: Nearly Half Of Americans Struggling To Afford Essentials — Political Fallout Looms

A new POLITICO poll, fielded in November by research firm Public First, finds that many Americans are under severe financial strain — struggling to afford everyday necessities as well as major expenses. The results show widespread cutbacks on medical care, leisure and long-term investments such as college and housing, while affordability concerns are increasingly shaping political attitudes ahead of key elections.

Snapshot

Almost half of respondents said groceries, utilities, health care, housing and transportation are hard to afford. The survey reports that 27 percent skipped a medical check-up in the past two years because of cost, and 23 percent missed a prescription dose for the same reason. Leisure activities are also being curtailed: 37 percent said they could not afford to attend a professional sports event with family or friends, and 46 percent said they could not afford a vacation that requires air travel.

Key Findings and Political Implications

Tariffs and the President’s Economic Message

The poll finds limited enthusiasm within the president’s base for tariffs as a long-term fix. Just 36 percent of 2024 Trump voters say tariffs are hurting the economy now but will benefit the U.S. over time, while only 22 percent say tariffs are helping both now and in the long term. Self-identified MAGA respondents are divided: 27 percent view tariffs as beneficial now and long term, while 21 percent see them as harmful both short- and long-term. That split complicates the administration’s message that tariffs will ultimately lower costs for Americans.

— Ari Hawkins

Higher Education: Too Expensive, Too Little Value

Only about a quarter of respondents believe college is worth the cost. Overall, 62 percent say college is not worth it because tuition is too high or returns are insufficient — an opinion especially common among 18- to 24-year-olds and those 65 and older. Notably, more than half of college graduates surveyed nonetheless said higher education is either too expensive or not sufficiently useful despite the long-term earnings premium for degree-holders.

— Juan Perez Jr.

Groceries Top Immediate Concerns

Grocery prices are the top immediate worry for many Americans. Half of respondents said paying for food is difficult, and 55 percent blamed the Trump administration for high grocery costs. Even among Trump voters, 22 percent fault the president for rising grocery prices — a sign of fraying patience within parts of his base.

— Rachel Shin

Housing Affordability Strains Young Buyers and Renters

Housing costs rank just behind groceries as the most challenging expense. The median age of first-time homebuyers hit a record high of 40 this year. Homebuying and rental costs are particularly acute for young adults and Hispanic respondents. Among GOP voters, MAGA identifiers were far more likely to blame the Biden administration for housing costs, while non-MAGA Republicans were three times as likely to point to the Trump administration.

— Cassandra Dumay

Health Care Remains A Major Affordability Issue

Nearly half of adults reported difficulty affording health care, making it the third-highest cost concern. Democrats are pushing to extend pandemic-era Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that are due to expire; if those credits lapse, many marketplace premiums would rise sharply. The poll also reveals a trust divide: 84 percent of MAGA respondents trust Republicans to lower health costs, versus 49 percent of non-MAGA Republicans; overall, 42 percent of respondents trust Democrats more on lowering health care costs compared with 33 percent who trust Republicans.

— Sophie Gardner

What This Means

The poll paints a picture of widespread financial pressure that cuts across demographics and parties. Affordability is becoming a decisive political issue: it complicates the Trump administration’s narrative that prices are falling and gives Democrats a potent line of attack on groceries, health care and living costs ahead of the midterms. For voters focused on everyday bills, long-term trade strategies and administrative arguments may ring hollow unless pocketbook pressures ease.

About the Poll: The POLITICO poll was conducted by Public First and fielded in November; the findings reflect public sentiment at the time of the survey.