Most blame President Trump for higher prices and are unhappy with how he is handling the economy

October 1, 2026

Americans are increasingly frustrated with President Trump about the cost of living these days, and most hold him responsible for higher-than-usual prices.

Sixty-five percent of adults overall say higher-than-usual prices are the result of Trump’s policies, while 67% of Republicans say higher prices are due to factors beyond the president’s control. In October 2022, 44% of the public said higher prices were a result of then-President Biden’s policies, and 87% of Democrats said the prices were beyond his control.

Trump is also falling short of expectations on the cost of living, with 69% of the public saying his handling of the issue has been worse than expected, including 52% of Republicans.

More than half of adults say the country as a whole, the national economy, and their local economy are worse off since Trump was reelected in 2025. Forty-six percent say they and their families are worse off since the start of Trump’s second administration. Most Americans (73%) say the country is heading in the wrong direction, including 92% of Democrats and 47% of Republicans.

The public is not particularly positive about how Trump has handled trade or foreign policy. Sixty-eight percent disapprove of his trade negotiations with other countries, and more than half (58%) say his handling of the issue has gone worse than expected during his second term. Sixty-four percent say his imposition of new tariffs on other countries has gone too far.

Trump fares slightly better when it comes to perceptions of immigration. Though about half (48%) say his handling of immigration has gone worse than expected, another quarter (23%) feel that it has gone better than expected. His approval rating on immigration remains steady, with 39% currently approving of his handling of the issue.

Fewer Americans now consider Canada a close ally of the United States than they did just a few years ago. Three years ago, 62% said the U.S. and Canada were close allies, and in March 2025, 45% agreed. Now, only 26% consider Canada a close ally of the United States, while 35% say the countries are friendly but not close allies and 30% say U.S. relations with Canada are not friendly but the countries are not enemies.

Seventy-one percent of adults disapprove of how Trump is handling Iran and 69% say the war in Iran has not been worth fighting.

Only 17% say Trump keeps his promises including just 4% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans. A large majority of Democrats (87%) say the president does not keep his promises, while nearly half of Republicans, 48%, say he tries but is unable.