Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Living Costs Put Trump’s Economy to the Midterm Test
Many Americans say everyday things like food and fuel cost too much.
A new poll found that many blame President Donald Trump’s policies, while most Republicans surveyed said other factors were more responsible.
Few people in the poll approved of how Trump is handling the cost of living.
Trump says he inherited high prices from former President Joe Biden.
He has suggested sending adults $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress, but Congress would need to approve the plan.
His administration is also making some other payments and promoting lower drug prices.
Trump is campaigning for Republican candidates before the November 3 election.
Voters will decide which party controls Congress.
An AP-NORC poll found that about 65% of surveyed US adults said Trump’s policies were responsible for today’s high cost of living.
About 67% of Republicans surveyed said factors outside Trump’s control were more responsible; only 17% approved of his handling of living costs.
About seven in 10 respondents said Trump’s handling of the cost of living was worse than they expected.
Trump has proposed a $5,000 payment to every US adult if Republicans keep control of Congress, a plan that would require congressional approval and could cost more than $1 trillion.
Trump is campaigning in competitive races ahead of the November 3 midterms, which will determine control of Congress.
- Who
- US voters and President Donald Trump.
- What
- The cost of living is emerging as a major issue and a test of Trump’s economic record ahead of the midterm elections.
- When
- The poll was conducted September 24–28; the election is November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- Voters are dissatisfied with the cost of living, and the election will determine control of Congress.
Voters who blame Trump’s policies
Republicans who cite factors beyond Trump’s control
Responsibility for high living costs
Voters who blame Trump’s policies
About 65% of surveyed US adults said Trump’s policies were responsible for today’s high cost of living.
Republicans who cite factors beyond Trump’s control
About 67% of Republicans surveyed said factors outside Trump’s control were more responsible.
Trump’s account of prices
Voters who blame Trump’s policies
Many respondents were dissatisfied: about seven in 10 said Trump’s handling of living costs was worse than expected.
Republicans who cite factors beyond Trump’s control
Trump has said he inherited high prices from the Biden administration.
- Poll
- AP-NORC survey of 2,140 US adults
- Poll dates
- September 24–28
- Blame for high living costs
- About 65% of respondents said Trump’s policies were responsible; 67% of Republicans said factors outside his control were more responsible.
- Cost-of-living approval
- 17% approved of Trump’s handling of the issue.
- Worse than expected
- About seven in 10 said Trump’s handling of living costs was worse than expected.
- Proposed payment
- Trump proposed $5,000 for every US adult if Republicans retain control of Congress; the plan would require congressional approval and could cost more than $1 trillion.
- Election date
- November 3, 2026