As the holiday season draws near, the American public's discontent with President Donald Trump's administration is becoming more pronounced. A recent Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll, surveying approximately 1,250 registered voters, reveals that inflation and the cost of living are at the forefront of citizens' concerns, overshadowing the President's focus on securing investments from technology giants.
In contrast to Trump's celebration of trillions in tech investments, many Americans are grappling with the rising costs of groceries, gas, and housing. "Affordability will be the buzzword of the 2026 election cycle," predicts Sarah Selip, founder of 917 Strategies and a former GOP House aide.
Since September, President Trump has enacted several executive actions related to artificial intelligence and has been seen dining with influential figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, and the UK's King Charles. While the White House hails these developments as triumphs, the average American remains preoccupied with more immediate financial burdens.
"Voters are frustrated," states Brittany Martinez, executive director of the right-leaning political firm Principles First. "While the administration touts billion-dollar announcements and high-profile corporate deals, most Americans are focused on whether they can afford groceries, gas, and a good life."
In response to the economic discontent, the White House has pointed fingers at former President Joe Biden, attributing the ongoing economic challenges to his tenure. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers contends, "After four years of economic calamity under Biden, American families will continue to feel economic relief in the months ahead as the positive effects of massive tax cuts, deregulation, and energy dominance continue to materialize."
Despite such optimistic projections from the administration, Trump's approval rating has plummeted to 55 percent, matching his lowest to date. Key Cabinet members, including Vice President JD Vance, have also experienced a decline in public favor.
The Democrats, on the other hand, are witnessing a surge in support. Notably, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) leads Vance in a hypothetical 2028 matchup, with former Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also positioned to win against him.
The growing public openness to progressive candidates, according to Martinez, is "beyond ideology—it’s about urgency." Tristan Shakespeare, a Republican strategist, concurs, noting that "American families across the political spectrum are experiencing a growing sense of economic hopelessness."
This sense of abandonment by the political system is catalyzing interest in both progressive and dissident movements. "This disillusionment is manifesting as calls for National Socialism on the right and Democratic Socialism on the left," Shakespeare observes.
Trump's 2024 campaign heavily emphasized reducing costs that escalated under Biden's presidency, yet consumers have seen little relief. Democratic strategist Mike Nellis highlights the disconnect between Trump's promises and his administration's actions, accusing the President of prioritizing "vanity projects and enriching himself" over delivering tangible benefits to the populace.
Amplifying the perception of misplaced priorities, the White House has reportedly added a $300 million ballroom, seemingly catering to its billionaire allies. As inflation persists, the latest polling data suggests the White House may confront increasing challenges as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
