A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on October 9, 2026, found that 78% of Americans believe President Donald Trump's policies share at least some blame for rising prices that are increasing faster than their earnings. The survey, conducted nationwide over six days and completed on Monday, Oct. 5, reported that cost-of-living concerns are a primary issue for voters in both parties ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Majorities of Republicans (64%) and independents (76%) attributed some responsibility for higher costs to the White House.
The results follow a period of increased inflation that policymakers have linked to several factors, including the administration's import taxes and rising global energy costs following the start of a war with Iran. The U.S. Federal Reserve has responded by pivoting to interest rate hikes. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated via email that the president ended the previous administration's "inflation crisis" through tax cuts and efforts to lower prescription drug costs, asserting that Trump has "delivered tangible wins for American families."
Detailed poll results show that 57% of Republicans and two-thirds of Americans overall believe living costs are outpacing their paychecks. Disapproval of Trump’s handling of inflation reached 68% among all respondents, including 40% of Republicans. While hourly wage gains are growing roughly in line with the consumer price index, the poll indicated that 63% of respondents have reduced restaurant dining and 56% have cut spending on entertainment or streaming services. Additionally, 45% of those surveyed cited unauthorized immigration as a root cause of higher prices, matching the administration’s argument that illegal entry increases demand for housing.
These price increases are leading a majority of consumers to change their daily habits, with more than half of those surveyed reporting cuts to discretionary spending like dining out and streaming services. The economic dissatisfaction is also influencing political leanings; the poll recorded record-low approval ratings for President Trump, with 63% of independents and 25% of his own party disapproving of his economic management. This shift is notable among groups that previously supported the president, such as Hispanic voters, where polls show support is eroding as costs for food and gas rise.
The outcome of this economic sentiment will be tested on November 3, 2026, during the midterm elections, which will determine control of the U.S. Congress for the next two years. While the Federal Reserve continues to use interest rate hikes to target inflation, the White House maintains that its tax and drug-pricing policies will eventually provide relief. The current poll suggests that until prices stabilize or wages significantly exceed the consumer price index, voter dissatisfaction with federal economic policy remains a primary factor in the upcoming legislative races.