Trump's Economy: Republican Discontent Surfaces Amid Struggles

Fri Jan 16 2026 17:28:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new AP-NORC poll reveals that dissatisfaction among Republicans regarding Trump's economic management has risen dramatically during his second term, particularly concerning cost of living and job creation.

Nearly a year into his second term, President Trump's economic performance appears to disappoint many Republicans. An AP-NORC survey shows only 16% believe he's significantly alleviated the cost of living, down from 49% during his first term. While immigration remains a strong point, the poll indicates growing concerns over economic conditions, leaving many supporters questioning his leadership amid lingering inflation and rising bills.

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly a year into his second term, President Donald Trump’s work on the economy hasn’t lived up to the expectations of many people in his own party, according to a new AP-NORC survey.

The poll reveals a significant gap between the economic leadership Americans remembered from Trump’s first term and what they’ve received so far, amidst a stunning level of turmoil at home and abroad. Just 16% of Republicans report that Trump has helped 'a lot' in addressing the cost of living, a stark decrease from 49% in April 2024.

Despite this discontent, Trump retains strong support among Republicans, particularly regarding immigration policy. Nearly 80% believe he has made some positive impact on immigration, though concerns grow over his overall approach and the enforcement tactics employed.

Individuals like John Candela, a resident of New Rochelle, New York, express frustration over unchanged economic conditions, stating, 'Still paying $5 for Oreos.' Candela elaborates on his hope for improvement by the end of Trump’s term, indicating a complex relationship between his approval and concerns over costs.

The AP-NORC poll shows growing discontent with economic issues. Only about 40% of Republicans feel Trump has contributed positively to job creation, a significant decline from the previous term. Health care costs remain a pressing issue, particularly following the expiration of essential federal health care subsidies for millions of Americans.

Conversely, immigration continues to be a strength for Trump's base, with many Republicans approving his leadership in this area, though the poll also indicates a slight decrease in approval ratings related to immigration over the last year.

Overall, while there's a persistent sentiment among Republicans that the country is improving under Trump, personal financial situations remain a source of concern, suggesting a growing divide between national optimism and individual economic realities.

The AP-NORC survey conducted from January 8-11 included 1,203 adults, with a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points, showcasing a representative sampling of the U.S. population's views on Trump’s presidency thus far.