Most Americans now blame Trump for high prices, poll finds
FILE-President Donald Trump looks on during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House on September 30, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump’s management of the economy and soaring prices is frustrating Americans based on findings in a new poll.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that only 17% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, compared to 26% who approve of his handling of the economy overall.
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Approximately 65% of Americans blame Trump’s policies for high costs amid his use of tariffs and the ongoing war with Iran.
The AP-NORC poll consisted of 2,140 adults and was conducted between Sept. 24-28 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population.
Americans concerned with affording gas and groceries
Why you should care:
The poll reveals that Americans are more worried about affording basics like groceries and gas.
Roughly half of respondents admit they are "extremely" or "very" concerned about filling up their gas tanks, while 50% are also very worried about affording food.
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Meanwhile, about 6 in 10 Republicans disapprove of Trump’s management of the cost of living, the poll found.
The Associated Press reported that Trump’s current approval rating on the economy is a 14-percentage point drop from March 2025, shortly after he began his second term in office.
The other side:
According to the poll, approximately 67% of Republicans say factors outside of President Donald Trump's control are more to blame for high prices.
Trump receives little support for the handling of Iran war and trade negotiations
Dig deeper:
The poll noted that 69% of respondents continue to state the Iran war has not been worth fighting. Only 28% approve of how Trump is handling Iran, while Americans are also not pleased with Trump's trade wars.
About 3 in 10 respondents approve of Trump’s management of trade negotiations with other countries. And 64% share that has "gone too far" on enforcing new tariffs on other countries.
Moreover, roughly 3 in 10 Americans approve of how Trump is handling his job as president. While 6 in 10 say the nation is "much" or "somewhat" worse off than when Trump started his second term.
Poll shows Trump faces more blame than Biden
Big picture view:
President Donald Trump's low rating on the economy is comparable to former President Joe Biden’s 28% approval rating in June 2022, when there was record-high inflation during the pandemic.
However, Americans were less likely to blame Biden in the lead-up to that year's midterm elections, a substantial difference between the majority who hold Trump responsible now.
The AP reported that in October 2022, 44% of Americans said Biden’s policies were responsible for high prices, while 55% blamed factors outside his control.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, which consisted of 2,140 adults and was conducted between Sept. 24-28. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.