For the first time since 2010, Americans trust Democrats more on the economy than Republicans. A recent Fox News poll found that 52% of those polled trust Democrats more on the economy, and 48% of those polled trust Republicans more on the economy. This is a stark difference from just 3 years ago, when there was a +15 point difference in favor of the Republicans.
Much of this can be attributed to Donald Trump’s declining popularity on economic issues. Donald Trump currently has -40% net-favorability on inflation, the lowest of his entire term. His least popular issues are the economy, trade, and inflation. Three-quarters of voters give the American economy a negative rating, and 63% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy.
This shift cannot entirely be attributed to Trump. Some of this frustration certainly comes from the dismal approval rating of Congress. Just 35% of voters approve of the way Republican members of Congress are handling their jobs. Favorability among Republicans remains somewhat high, at 77%, but just 26% of Independents approve of the Republican Congress.
This difference is made even worse by the fact that Democratic members of congress share equally, and often worse, approval ratings in Congress. Just 29% of voters approve of the way Democrats in Congress are handling their jobs, and Democrats do not have the same high views of their representatives as Republicans.
What this means is that the Republican handling of the economy is seen as so poor that voters are willing to overlook the unpopular Democratic Congress. The Democratic party is by no means high in favorability, but the Republican party is in power and bears responsibility (in the eyes of voters) for the current economic state.
This is troubling news for Republicans who have to make an argument for remaining in power as the midterm elections grow closer. 7/10 Americans mention at least one economic issue as something the government should prioritize in 2026. Economic worries dominate voter priorities going forward to November.
Republicans have few options to fix their issues with voters. They can either intensify their efforts to improve popularity in issues they remain favorable on, or they can go all in on affordability. Voters continue to trust Republicans more on border security, crime, and immigration, and immigration is a large issue for the midterms.
Focusing on affordability would be far more beneficial, and the Trump administration has instated more tax cuts and benefits for Americans in order to win votes in November. However, the Democrats continue to have an advantage on the economy, after losing support during Biden’s term.