A CBS News/YouGov poll finds just 18% of Americans say President Trump’s policies have improved their finances now, while 27% expect improvement next year. Half of respondents report being worse off today, and 45% expect their situation to deteriorate in 2026. Inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target (CPI +2.7% year‑over‑year to November), and tariffs have pushed the average effective rate to 16.8%, the highest since 1934. Economic sentiment could shape the 2026 midterms as the president tours to promote cost‑of‑living efforts.
Poll: Fewer Than One In Five Say Trump’s Policies Have Improved Their Finances
A new CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday found that fewer than two in ten Americans believe President Trump’s policies have made them financially better off today.
Key Findings
The survey reports that 18% of respondents say the president’s policies have improved their finances now, while 27% expect improvement next year. Conversely, 50% say the policies have made them worse off today, and 45% expect their financial situation to worsen in 2026.
Inflation and Prices
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.7% over the 12 months ending in November, down from 3.0% in both September and January but still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. For the same period, food prices increased 2.6% and energy prices rose 4.2%. The BLS noted food was down 0.5 percentage points from September, while energy was up 1.4 percentage points.
Tariffs and Costs
Businesses have passed some higher costs from tariffs to consumers. The Yale Budget Lab calculated an average effective tariff rate of 16.8% as of Nov. 17 — the highest level since 1934 and a rise of 14.4 percentage points since early January.
Political Implications
Americans’ views of the economy are likely to influence the 2026 midterms. Democrats in several jurisdictions — including Virginia, New Jersey, New York City and Miami — emphasized affordability proposals during a series of recent victories. In response, the president has launched a nationwide tour, beginning in Pennsylvania, to highlight his administration’s efforts to lower the cost of living and change the political narrative.
Survey source: CBS News/YouGov. Economic data: Bureau of Labor Statistics and Yale Budget Lab.
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