Economic unease is rising across the United States as high prices and job market uncertainty continue to strain households. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, many Americans are losing faith in their financial stability.

A new survey by the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that people are increasingly concerned about their ability to find work and manage rising living costs.

Confidence in Job Market Declines

According to the poll, 47% of U.S. adults said they are “not very” or “not at all confident” about finding a good job if they wanted one. This marks a sharp increase from 37% in October 2023. The drop in confidence shows that optimism in a once-strong labor market is fading.

Inflation Hits Households Hard

High prices for daily needs remain the biggest worry for families. More than half of Americans called grocery costs a “major” source of stress. Nearly four in ten cited housing and health care as serious concerns, while about one-third worried about gas prices.

Electricity bills have become another pressure point. 36% of respondents said energy costs are now a “major” source of stress. Experts warn that the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers may push energy bills even higher in the future.

A Warning Sign for Republicans

These findings come as a warning for the Republican administration. Trump returned to the White House in January, promising to curb inflation and boost confidence after what he called “Biden’s mismanagement.”

However, prices for essentials remain high, and Trump’s economic approval ratings have stayed low amid tariffs, federal layoffs, and a prolonged government shutdown that slowed several sectors.

Uneven Recovery and Stagnant Wages

Economists say inflation has eased slightly, but wages have not grown much, and job creation has slowed. This has left many Americans feeling that the recovery benefits only a few.

“The gap between macroeconomic indicators and household sentiment remains wide,” one analyst told Reuters. “Many Americans feel worse off even if headline numbers show improvement.”

Approval Ratings Remain Low

Only 36% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy, a number unchanged since he imposed tariffs that caused economic uncertainty. Among Republicans, 71% support his policies, but analysts say even that figure is lower than expected within his own party.

During the same period in 2021, President Biden had 41% approval for his economic management, including 73% support from Democrats.

Slowing Job Growth and Tariff Impact

Hiring has slowed sharply under Trump. Monthly job gains now average fewer than 27,000 since new tariffs were introduced in April. Four years ago, 36% of people said they were “very confident” in finding a good job. That figure has dropped to 21%.

Biden’s presidency saw stronger hiring as the nation recovered from pandemic disruptions, but Trump’s trade policies have created new challenges.

Public Frustration Grows

Some voters say Trump’s tariffs have made inflation worse. Linda Weavil, 76, from North Carolina, who voted for Trump, said prices have risen for her church fundraiser items. “I think he’s doing a great job on a lot of things, but I’m afraid our coffee and chocolate prices have gone up because of tariffs,” she said. “That’s a kick in the back of the American people.”

Rising Energy Costs and Everyday Struggles

Electricity bills have become another major concern. Some households report huge spikes in utility costs. Kevin Halsey, 58, from Illinois, said his summer electricity bills jumped from $90 to $300 even with solar panels.
“I’ve got to be pessimistic,” he said. “I don’t see this as getting better.”

Trump’s decision to cancel funding for renewable projects and impose tariffs on factory equipment has also added to the cost pressures. Economists warn that upcoming AI data centers could push energy costs even higher.

Americans Struggling to Stay Afloat

The poll shows that 68% of Americans describe the economy as “poor,” while only 32% call it “good.” A majority, 59%, said their family finances are “holding steady,” but only 12% feel they are “getting ahead.”

About 47% said they are “not very” or “not at all confident” about covering unexpected medical expenses, and 52% doubt they can save enough for retirement. 63% said they cannot afford to buy a home.

Younger adults feel this strain most — nearly 80% of those under 30 said they are not confident about ever buying a house.

Middle-Class Stability Feels Out of Reach

The poll highlights how the middle-class dream is slipping further away. Most Americans said they feel stressed about the cost of groceries, housing, taxes, wages, and fuel.

Unique Hopkins, 36, from Ohio, now works two jobs after her teenage daughter had a baby. She said, “It’s his way or no way. Nobody is going to unite with Trump if it’s all about you, you, you.”

A Familiar Economic Dilemma

Despite low unemployment and decent growth, public sentiment remains negative. Economists say Trump now faces the same challenge Biden did convincing people that the economy is improving when their daily lives say otherwise.

With inflation still squeezing families and job confidence fading, restoring trust in his economic leadership will be Trump’s biggest test ahead of the next election.