WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are growing increasingly concerned about their ability to find a good job under President Donald Trump, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll finds, as the promised economic boom gives way to hiring freezes and elevated inflation.
High prices for groceries, housing, and health care persist as fears for many households. The survey indicates that 47% of U.S. adults are “not very” or “not at all confident” they could find a good job if they wanted to, a rise from 37% since October 2023.
Electricity bills are a “major” source of stress for 36% of U.S. adults, amid worries that the anticipated build-out of data centers for artificial intelligence could further strain energy resources. Over half also report groceries as a “major” source of financial anxiety, with around 40% indicating similar concerns for housing and health care, and about one-third citing gasoline prices as a pressing issue.
The survey suggests an ongoing vulnerability for Trump, who returned to the White House with claims he could quickly resolve the inflation that spiked during President Joe Biden's term. Trump's economic approval ratings have stagnated, amidst tariffs, layoffs, and political discord, culminating in a government shutdown.
Linda Weavil, a retiree who once supported Trump, expressed concerns about rising prices due to tariffs, stating, “That’s a kick in the back of the American people.” Her remarks reflect a broader sentiment among voters who see diminishing confidence in Trump's economic management.
The poll shows only 36% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy, a figure that has stabilized this year. Among Republicans, approval is significantly higher at 71%, indicating a mixed reception within the party. Historically, Biden enjoyed greater approval ratings for economic handling at the same point in his presidency.
This economic malaise has led to a sharp decline in confidence levels, with only 21% of respondents feeling “extremely” confident about securing good employment, compared to 36% four years ago.
Nevertheless, Trump faces a similar economic challenge as Biden did: maintaining public trust despite signs of a solid economy. Currently, 68% of U.S. adults describe the economy as “poor,” with many expressing financial stress stemming from everyday expenses.
The survey reflects a critical moment for the Republican Party and could significantly influence the outcomes of upcoming gubernatorial races and the potential 2026 midterms. Polling data emphasizes the urgency for Trump to address economic anxieties before they exacerbate ahead of the elections.
The AP-NORC poll was conducted with 1,289 adults from October 9-13, and the sampling error margin is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
