More than half of voters say they're worse off than they were two years ago

Over three months before the November midterm elections, a new warning has emerged for President Donald Trump regarding one of the most critical factors influencing American voters: the economy. According to a recent survey conducted by Focaldata for the Financial Times, more than half of registered voters believe their financial situation has worsened since Trump took office in January 2025. Specifically, 53% of voters say they are economically worse off compared to the start of his second term. Among independent voters, this figure rises to nearly 57%, while within the Republican electorate, almost a quarter share this view. The economy continues to be a major weakness for the White House. Nearly two-thirds of voters think the U.S. economy is heading in the wrong direction. This percentage climbs above two-thirds among independents and reaches over a third even among Republicans. Only one in four voters believes the country is moving in the right direction. On issues such as inflation and cost of living, two concerns frequently cited by Americans, Trump faces some of his worst approval ratings. A total of 64% of registered voters disapprove of how Trump is handling these economic challenges. This includes nearly seven out of ten independent voters and approximately one-third of Republican voters. For the first time in a long period, Democrats have become more trusted than Republicans on economic matters. Voters indicate greater confidence in the Democratic Party’s ability to manage inflation and the cost of living, as well as employment and broader economic conditions. This trend could lead to a significant setback for Republicans in the upcoming midterms, which traditionally serve as a referendum on the president's performance. The data on voter intentions further supports this concern. When asked which party they would choose in the November elections, 44% of registered voters favor Democrats, compared to 39% who support Republicans. Over several months, virtually all polls suggest that Democrats have a strong chance of reclaiming control of the House of Representatives. However, the Senate race appears more challenging, with Democrats struggling to secure a majority there. Trump’s overall popularity among voters is also declining. According to the Financial Times survey, 55% of registered voters disapprove of his actions as president. This includes nearly a fifth of Republican voters. Particularly notable is the drop in support within his own party. Trump’s net approval rating among Republicans, the difference between those who approve and disapprove of his work, has decreased by eight percentage points compared to the previous month. The findings highlight growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership, particularly on economic issues, which remain central to public sentiment ahead of the midterms. As the election approaches, the political landscape continues to shift, with Democrats gaining momentum and Republicans facing increasing pressure to address key concerns among voters.