CNBC Survey Finds 61% Pessimistic on Economy as Trump's Approval Stays at 40%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 17
CNBC Survey Finds 61% Pessimistic on Economy as Trump's Approval Stays at 40%
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 17
Summary
61% of Americans say they are pessimistic about the economy and its outlook, while just 25% are optimistic — the bleakest reading since December 2023.
47% report cutting back on essentials such as food and medical care, up 6 points from April, and two-thirds are trimming nonessential spending despite easing gasoline prices.
Trump's approval stands at 40% with 59% disapproving, while 60% disapprove of his handling of the economy and 68% disapprove of his response to inflation and living costs.
Democrats hold only a 4-point edge on congressional preference, suggesting economic frustration and disapproval of Trump's Iran policy have not produced a broad anti-Republican wave.
Food costs rank as voters' top concern, where Democrats lead by 7 points, but Republicans hold a 22-point advantage on immigration — underscoring a polarized electorate heading into the midterms.