Trump’s Economy Approval Stagnates at 31% While Holiday Spending Slows Amid Inflation
Updated (2 articles)
Poll Shows 31% Approve Trump’s Economic Management The AP‑NORC survey of 1,146 adults conducted Dec. 4‑8 found only 31 % approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy, a level unchanged since before his return to office [1][2]. At the same time, 66 % to 68 % of respondents described the national economy as poor, showing broad dissatisfaction across party lines [1][2]. The poll’s timing coincides with the approach of the 2026 midterm elections, heightening political relevance.
Consumers Cut Non‑Essential Purchases Ahead of Holidays Nearly half of Americans (48 %) reported shopping for non‑essential items less than normal, while roughly 50 % said they are delaying big purchases or cutting back on discretionary spending [1][2]. Adults earning under $50,000 were especially likely to postpone big‑ticket items, indicating that lower‑income households bear the brunt of the slowdown [1]. About 40 % of respondents are dipping into savings more than usual, reflecting financial strain during the holiday season [2].
High Grocery Prices and 3% Inflation Pressure Households striking 87 % of adults noticed higher grocery prices, and about two‑thirds reported similar increases for electricity and holiday gifts [1][2]. Inflation remains at 3 %, a full percentage point above the Federal Reserve’s 2 % target, despite easing from the 2022 peak [2]. These price pressures are driving the observed cutbacks in non‑essential spending.
Trump Launches Tour as Optimism Remains Low In response, President Trump and his team began a national tour aimed at reassuring voters about economic recovery ahead of the 2026 midterms [1]. Only about 20 % of respondents expect the economy to improve in 2025, while roughly 40 % anticipate it will be worse, underscoring limited optimism [2]. The administration’s outreach reflects concerns that economic perceptions could influence upcoming elections.
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump’s Economy Approval Hits 31% as Holiday Spending Slows: reports the AP‑NORC poll showing 31 % approval, 48 % cut non‑essential spending, lower‑income impact, two‑thirds view economy as poor, and details the Trump administration’s confidence‑boosting tour .
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2.
AP: US Consumers Report Holiday Shopping Pain Amid Inflation, Poll Finds: emphasizes consumer pain with 68 % viewing economy as poor, 87 % seeing higher grocery prices, inflation at 3 %, half cutting back, and limited optimism for 2025, highlighting bipartisan concerns .
Timeline
2022 – Inflation peaks at a four‑decade high, later easing to 3 % by late 2025 but remaining a full percentage point above the Federal Reserve’s 2 % target, underscoring persistent price pressures [2].
Dec 2024 – An AP‑NORC poll records 68 % of Americans describing the national economy as “poor,” a sentiment that endures into the following year [2].
Jan 20, 2025 – Donald Trump is inaugurated for a second, non‑consecutive term, marking his return to the White House after the 2024 election (historical context for subsequent polling).
Dec 4‑8, 2025 – AP‑NORC surveys 1,146 adults; only 31 % approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, unchanged from before his return, while 66‑68 % say the economy is “poor,” reflecting continued public dissatisfaction [1][2].
Dec 4‑8, 2025 – The same poll finds 48 % cut non‑essential holiday spending, 87 % notice higher grocery prices, and roughly half delay big purchases or dip into savings, with lower‑income households most affected [1][2].
Dec 4‑8, 2025 – Inflation runs at 3 %, still a full point above the Fed’s 2 % goal, despite having slowed from the 2022 peak, highlighting ongoing inflationary challenges [2].
Dec 12‑13, 2025 – In response to the poll’s bleak findings, the Trump administration launches a national “confidence‑boosting” tour to reassure voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections [1].
2026 (midterms) – About 40 % of respondents expect the 2026 economy to be worse than 2025, while only ≈20 % anticipate improvement, setting a stark economic backdrop for the upcoming congressional races [1].