In the US, wallets are emptying, reactions to Trump are mounting!

Rising food, fuel, and housing costs in the United States are increasingly straining households' budgets. Americans who say wage increases are insufficient to cover daily expenses are turning to frugality in many areas, from restaurant visits to entertainment spending.

A public opinion survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos with the participation of 4,506 adults nationwide revealed that economic hardships are affecting a broad segment of the population regardless of political affiliation.

Eight out of every ten Americans hold the Trump administration responsible.

According to the study, 78% of participants believe that the policies of President Donald Trump's administration are effective in addressing rising living costs.

About two-thirds of respondents say their daily expenses are rising faster than their income. The fact that 57% of Republican voters report the same issue shows that economic discomfort is also felt among Trump’s own base.54% of participants say that living costs have risen sharply over the past year.

Gas Prices and Mortgage Loans Are Straining Budgets

In the United States, the areas where economic pressure is felt most acutely are fuel and housing costs.

Across the country, the price of gasoline per gallon was $3.11 last year, but recent measurements show it has risen to $4.36. Diesel prices, which particularly affect the transportation and agriculture sectors, have reached $6.28.

Americans who want to buy homes are also facing rising interest rates. In the United States, the 30‑year fixed mortgage rate has reached 7.5%, making home purchases more expensive.

Rising energy costs, import tariffs, and the economic effects of the war with Iran are also cited as factors that increase pressure on prices.

Americans Tighten Their Belts: Restaurant and Entertainment Spending Declines

The cost of living is reflected not only in economic indicators but also in the daily habits of Americans.

According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey, 63% of participants say they now go to restaurants less often. 56% say they have cut back on spending for entertainment activities and digital media subscriptions.

These results show that Americans are prioritizing essential needs and beginning to trim their social life and entertainment budgets.

In particular, the rise in food, transportation, and housing costs limits the amount households can set aside for other needs.

Economic Discomfort in Trump’s Own Party

One of the study’s striking findings was the economic dissatisfaction among Republican voters.

Approximately one in four Republicans say they do not approve of Trump’s economic management, a figure that rises to 63% among independents and 92% among Democrats.

Regarding the fight against inflation, 68% of respondents say they are dissatisfied with the current situation; it is noteworthy that 40% of Republican voters also say they are upset with the inflation policy.

White House Responds to Criticism

Following the poll results, the White House defended the Trump administration’s economic policies.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said that the tax cuts and steps to lower prescription drug costs implemented by Trump have delivered economic gains to American families.

The administration stresses that global energy costs and international developments are driving price rises, while rejecting criticism about the cost of living.

On the other hand, 45% of those who participated in the study believe that undocumented migration is one of the main causes of price increases. This result also shows that voters hold differing views on the causes of economic problems.

Eyes on the Critical Elections on November 3

Rising living costs in the United States have become one of the top items on the political agenda ahead of the congressional midterm elections on November 3, 2026.

Trump’s promises to rapidly curb inflation during the 2024 presidential campaign are being re-evaluated today by voters who are complaining about economic problems.

A Reuters/Ipsos study shows that economic dissatisfaction is not limited to opposition voters alone, but is also felt among the Republican base.

As millions of people in the United States adjust their budgets in the face of rising bills, pricier grocery shopping, and climbing housing costs, the question of how the cost of living will influence voters’ decisions in the upcoming elections remains a point of curiosity.