Voters See Economic Improvement Under Trump

The story of the Trump economy is a tale of two realities: what’s actually happening, and what the media is willing to report.

On the ground, things are improving. Gas prices are affordable again after years of pain at the pump. Grocery prices, which became a symbol of Biden-era inflation, are finally coming down. The economy grew at a strong clip last year. And about half of voters give the President credit for lower energy costs.

But here’s the problem: most Americans don’t know about the strong GDP numbers because the press won’t cover good news. The media spent years amplifying every economic complaint under Trump’s first term, then memory-holed inflation under Biden. Now that the numbers are turning around, they’ve gone quiet.

This poll surveyed 1,299 registered voters via online panel from January 28-29, 2026. Results were weighted by gender, age, race, and education to match population demographics. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Energy Prices: A Bright Spot

Gas prices are viewed favorably by most voters. 70% rate current gas prices as affordable (21% very affordable, 49% somewhat affordable), while only 22% say prices are unaffordable.

With oil prices approximately 20% lower than a year ago, 49% of voters give President Trump a great deal (27%) or some (22%) credit for lower energy prices. 41% give him not much (17%) or no credit at all (24%).

Grocery Prices: Improvement Noticed

After egg prices spiked earlier in the year due to bird flu, 59% of voters say they’ve noticed prices coming down (24% “a lot,” 35% “somewhat”). 16% say prices are about the same, 15% say prices are still high, and 10% haven’t been paying attention.

GDP Growth: Low Awareness, Split Credit

Awareness of strong economic growth is limited: only 33% of voters were aware that the U.S. economy grew at 4.3% GDP over the past year. 53% were not aware, and 14% were unsure.

On credit for GDP growth, voters are evenly split: 45% give Trump a great deal (26%) or some (19%) credit, while 45% give him not much (19%) or no credit (26%).

Inflation: Still a Concern Despite Decline

With inflation currently at 2.7%, voters remain concerned about price levels:

• Very manageable: 8%
• Somewhat manageable: 28%
• Somewhat too high: 33%
• Much too high: 21%

54% of voters say inflation is too high, compared to 36% who say it’s manageable—suggesting that while inflation has declined from its peak, voters still feel the cumulative impact of higher prices.

Overall Economic Management: Mixed Reviews

When asked to rate President Trump’s overall management of the economy—taking into account GDP growth, lower oil prices, low unemployment, stock market gains, and reduced inflation:

• Excellent: 20%
• Good: 22%
• Fair: 18%
• Poor: 33%

Net Rating

42% positive (excellent/good) vs. 51% negative (fair/poor)

Stock Market Gains: Limited Reach

The approximately 20% rise in stock markets over the past year affects a minority of voters directly: 43% say it affects them significantly (20%) or somewhat (23%) through investments/retirement accounts. 50% have limited or no investments.

Taxes: Uncertain Impact So Far

When asked whether they are paying lower taxes now than when Biden was President: 26% say lower now, 31% say lower under Biden, and 44% are unsure. The high “not sure” response suggests many voters have not yet felt the direct impact of tax policy changes.