Key facts
- 78% of Americans blame President Donald Trump's policies for rising prices, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
- 64% of Republicans and 76% of independents also blamed White House policies for higher prices.
- Most Americans view tariffs as an important cause of higher prices.
- 45% of respondents said unauthorized immigration was a root cause of higher prices.
- The national average price of a gallon of gasoline was $4.36 on Thursday, up from $3.11 a year ago.
- The 30-year home mortgage rate is 7.5%.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found that 78% of Americans believe President Donald Trump's policies are responsible for rising prices, with a significant portion of Republicans also expressing dissatisfaction with the economic situation. The poll, which surveyed 4,506 US adults and had a margin of error of 2 percentage points, indicated that the cost of living is a primary concern for voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Fifty-seven percent of Republicans surveyed acknowledged that costs are increasing faster than their earnings, highlighting a disconnect between the administration's campaign promises to curb inflation and the current economic reality. The poll attributed higher prices to factors including import tariffs, the conflict in Iran, and global energy costs. These economic concerns, coupled with the war in the Middle East, have contributed to a decline in Trump's public approval ratings.
Specific economic indicators cited include the national average gasoline price of $4.36 per gallon, up from $3.11 a year prior, and diesel fuel at $6.28. The 30-year home mortgage rate stands at 7.5%, double the rate from six years ago. These rising costs are influencing voter sentiment, with 54% of respondents reporting a significant increase in the cost of living over the past year.
While the poll showed limited evidence of widespread spending cutbacks, 63% of respondents reported eating out less, and 56% are spending less on entertainment. Some respondents also cited unauthorized immigration as a contributing factor to higher prices, echoing arguments made by the administration. Despite economic concerns, some Republican voters expressed continued loyalty to the party, citing concerns about Democratic spending policies.