Economic Sentiment Improves Slightly Among Voters Amid Persistent Concerns

Economic Sentiment Improves Slightly Among Voters Amid Persistent Concerns

Recent polling indicates a slight uptick in voter sentiment regarding the economy, although overall perceptions remain predominantly negative.

Since the onset of President Donald Trump’s second term, the percentage of voters expressing positive views about the economy has risen incrementally. Positive ratings increased from 21% in March to 28% in April, culminating at 31% in the latest Fox News survey. This figure mirrors the sentiments recorded at the conclusion of the Biden administration in January. Notably, during the prior four years, the positive evaluation of the economy exceeded this year’s rating only once, peaking at 32% in June 2024. In comparison, at the conclusion of Trump’s first term, 33% gave favorable assessments of economic conditions in December 2020, which had previously surged to 55% in January 2020 just before the pandemic struck.

Currently, 62% of voters report that their families are either advancing financially (14%) or maintaining their current status (48%), a rise of 5 percentage points since January. Encouragingly, just 36% of respondents claim to be falling behind, marking the lowest level in four years.

Ongoing Economic Concerns

Despite this modest improvement, general economic sentiment remains largely pessimistic. A staggering 84% of respondents express extreme or very high concern regarding inflation, while 68% characterize current economic conditions as either fair or poor. Furthermore, 55% of voters harbor a negative outlook about the economy.

Demographically speaking, skepticism about the economy prevails among Democrats, Independents, women, and voters lacking a college degree. Conversely, Republicans, men, and college graduates tend to rate economic conditions more favorably.

Party Lines and Economic Legislation

In the latest Fox News poll, voters express disapproval of federal budget legislation, referred to by the president as the One Big Beautiful Bill. A striking 59% oppose the legislation compared to 38% who support it. Half of the respondents believe the bill could negatively impact their families (49%), while 23% anticipate potential benefits, and 26% feel it would have no significant effect.

Interestingly, 60% of those surveyed believe they possess a solid understanding of the provisions included in the OBBB. Although those who understand the bill are slightly more likely to favor it than those who do not, a greater number still predict it will harm rather than benefit their families (45% versus 34%).

The perception of the proposed legislation falls sharply along party lines. Seventy-three percent of Republicans express support, while a vast majority of Democrats (89%) and a significant number of Independents (73%) oppose it. Notably, less than half of Republicans anticipate the bill will assist their families (46%).

Public Opinion on Key Issues

Overall, 57% of voters believe that tariffs harm the economy—a record high within Fox News surveys, with double the number perceiving tariffs as beneficial.

While a majority (53%) approve of Trump’s management of border security, he receives unfavorable ratings on immigration (46% approve, 53% disapprove) and foreign policy issues (42% approve, 57% disapprove). His lowest scores arise from economic management (40% approval, 58% disapproval) and inflation (34% approval, 64% disapproval), where he falls behind by a substantial margin of 30 points.

Job Approval Ratings

Trump’s overall job approval rating currently stands at 46%, with 54% of respondents expressing disapproval. This marks an increase from April’s ratings of 44% approval and 55% disapproval. The president’s highest approval rating reached 49% in both March 2025 and April 2020. Among voters, men under the age of 45 (55% approval) and White men without a college degree (54% approval) represent the demographic providing the most positive ratings. An overwhelming 70% of Republicans identify with the MAGA movement, with a striking 98% of them approving of the president.

Perceptions of Trump and Concerns About Inflation

About 90% of Democrats disapprove of Trump’s overall performance and his handling of specific issues, with the exception of border security, which sees slightly lower disapproval (80%). A significant portion of Republicans support the president, although approval slips to 68% on inflation and 75% regarding the economy overall. Independent disapproval varies, with approximately half expressing disapproval on border security, while three-quarters disapprove of his handling of inflation.

When it comes to voter sentiment toward Trump as an individual, he currently holds an unfavorable rating by a margin of 10 points. Forty-five percent of voters express a favorable opinion, while 55% view him unfavorably. For context, this rating aligns closely with JD Vance (44% favorable, 53% unfavorable), Joe Biden (43% favorable, 56% unfavorable), and Marco Rubio (42% favorable, 46% unfavorable). Additionally, Trump’s favorability lags behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (48% favorable, 50% unfavorable) and Kamala Harris (49% favorable, 51% unfavorable).

Voter Concerns and National Issues

Concerns about inflation remain prevalent, with 84% of voters expressing worry, including 78% of Republicans. Notably, the future direction of the U.S. slightly eclipses inflation as voters’ top concern, with 85% expressing anxiety about where the country is headed. This feeling encompasses 80% of Republicans and 90% of both Democrats and Independents.

Significant voter concerns extend to government spending and the potential for Iran to develop nuclear capabilities, with eight in ten expressing worry about these issues. Furthermore, around 70% express concerns regarding antisemitism, illegal immigration, and the domestic deployment of U.S. military forces. Approximately 60% are worried about protests occurring in American cities.

Partisan Perspectives on Key National Issues

Notably, more Democrats (87%) and Independents (71%) voice apprehension regarding the deployment of federal troops in cities in response to protests about ICE than Republicans (42%). Conversely, Republicans (84%) exhibit greater concern over illegal immigration compared to Independents (68%) and Democrats (49%).

No single issue emerges as a common priority for all three groups—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. For Democrats, the top concerns include the future direction of the U.S., inflation, and the deployment of U.S. troops. Republicans prioritize illegal immigration, government spending, and the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Among Independents, the future of the nation, inflation, and government spending rank as the most pressing issues.

Recent poll data collected between June 13-16, 2025, showcases insights from 1,003 registered voters nationally. The survey, directed by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research, includes conversations with live interviewers across various platforms. This comprehensive polling provides an understanding of voter sentiment ahead of the crucial upcoming election period.