A significant portion of Americans now believe the nation’s economy has deteriorated under the current administration, according to recent polling. More than half of the country, approximately 55 percent, do not express approval of the president’s economic policies. This sentiment, according to CNN analyst Harry Enten, could spell trouble for upcoming elections, suggesting a path to “failure” in the midterms.
Enten articulated his concerns on CNN’s News Central, stating, “I don’t know how you win when the majority of Americans say the economy is getting worse. That is a formula that equals failure.” His analysis aligns with other surveys, including a recent report from The Associated Press. This AP survey revealed that a substantial two-thirds of US adults characterise the national economy as “poor,” a viewpoint that has remained consistent in recent months.
When specifically questioned about the economy, the AP poll found that 53 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s management of this critical issue, with only 39 percent indicating their approval. These figures underscore the considerable challenge the administration faces in addressing the affordability concerns that are weighing heavily on American households.
Further highlighting the public’s economic anxieties, Enten pointed out that beyond the perception of a worsening economy, a considerable 54 percent of Americans believe that lowering prices should be the president’s paramount priority. This issue has consistently emerged as the top concern for the electorate.
Despite these public sentiments, the president has consistently asserted in public addresses and on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the United States is currently experiencing a “golden age” and is performing better than ever before. He has gone as far as to dismiss the concept of affordability as a “Democrat scam” in December.
Enten’s observations suggest that the Democratic Party’s targeted messaging on economic issues has given them a notable advantage in public trust regarding the economy. “The party trusted more on affordability? Overall, it’s the Democrats by 14 points,” he commented. He further noted that this advantage is even more pronounced among independent voters, describing it as a “blowout” with a 39-point margin, and declared, “This is the entire ballgame right here.”

While various media outlets have reported a decline in public opinion regarding the president’s handling of the economy and other key issues such as immigration, the president has maintained that his approval ratings are the highest he has “ever received,” attributing this to the perceived strength of the economy. In a recent Truth Social post, he declared, “The highest Poll Numbers I have ever received. Obviously, people like a strong and powerful Country, with the best economy, EVER!”
A separate poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov indicated that 54 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s overall job performance, with only 40 percent expressing approval. However, the president continues to enjoy strong support within his own party, with 86 percent of Republicans endorsing his performance.
Understanding the Independent Voter
Independent readers are a distinct group of global citizens. Their identity is not shaped by traditional demographic markers but rather by their core attitudes and beliefs. In today’s increasingly fractured global landscape, these individuals place a high value on factual reporting and candid opinions delivered directly from a trusted, unbiased news source. Equipped with accurate information and inspiring insights, independent readers are empowered to advocate for their convictions.
Key Economic Concerns for Americans
- Affordability: A significant majority of Americans, over 50 percent, believe lowering prices should be the president’s top economic priority. This concern has been a persistent theme in recent surveys.
- Economic Perception: More than half of Americans now perceive the national economy as having worsened under the current administration, a sentiment that has remained largely unchanged in recent months.
- Trust in Economic Management: The Democratic Party currently holds a considerable lead in public trust when it comes to managing the economy, with a notable gap in perception, particularly among independent voters.
Presidential Approval Ratings
- Overall Job Performance: A recent poll shows that 54 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s job as president, while 40 percent approve.
- Republican Support: The president maintains strong approval within his party, with 86 percent of Republicans supporting his performance.
- Independent Voter Sentiment: While not explicitly detailed in this segment, the earlier analysis by Enten highlights a significant gap in trust regarding economic management between the major parties and independent voters.



