Like Biden, Trump Faces Voter Backlash Over Persistent High Prices/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Despite promising to lower prices, President Trump now faces the same economic reality that challenged Biden: persistent inflation and frustrated voters. Tariffs, slow wage growth, and higher consumer costs are weighing down approval ratings. With midterms approaching, Trump must show results quickly—or face political fallout.
Trump’s Inflation Challenge – Quick Looks
- Same Problem as Biden: Inflation is down, but prices remain high.
- Approval Drop: Trump’s rating hits new low as costs bite households.
- Tariff Pressures: Trump’s own trade policies fueling price increases.
- Midterm Stakes: GOP faces risk after state-level setbacks.
- Consumer Sentiment: Even Republicans now souring on economy.
- New Strategies: Tax cuts, deregulation, tariff relief, and AI investments proposed.
Like Biden, Trump Faces Voter Backlash Over Persistent High Prices
Deep Look
President Donald Trump rode to victory in 2024 on a wave of economic frustration. Now, just a year later, he faces the same painful truth that plagued his predecessor Joe Biden: once prices rise, they tend to stay high — and voters are quick to place blame.
Throughout his campaign, Trump promised to bring relief to consumers battered by years of inflation under Biden. But now that he’s back in office, even his most loyal supporters are feeling squeezed by grocery bills, rent, and health care costs. His approval rating, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, has dropped to 38% — the lowest since his return.
Despite a slowing inflation rate, consumer prices remain stubbornly elevated. Gasoline may be cheaper, but food prices continue to rise. Coffee is up over 20% from last year, beef by nearly 15%, and bananas by 7%. Cleaning supplies and imported hardware are also up by more than 5%.
“It’s eerily similar,” said Michael Strain, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute. “Both Trump and Biden made the same mistake — underestimating how angry voters get about higher prices.”
Tariffs, Trade, and Price Pressures
While inflation has dipped to around 3% annually, Trump’s tariffs are now under scrutiny for contributing to ongoing price hikes. Tools, groceries, and everyday goods impacted by tariffs are more expensive than ever. Even as Trump celebrates new investments and manufacturing projects, voters are struggling to afford basics.
Just last week, Trump rolled back tariffs on hundreds of food imports like bananas and coffee — a move meant to ease pressure on household budgets. He’s also floated issuing $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenues and proposed a 50-year mortgage scheme to lower monthly housing costs. But critics warn that such ideas may backfire or offer only short-term relief.
Thanksgiving Reflects the Pain
The cost of Thanksgiving dinner is symbolic of the broader issue. While prices are down 5% compared to last year, the average meal still costs 13% more than in 2019. Half the ingredients — from sweet potatoes to frozen vegetables — are pricier than a year ago. It’s a snapshot of how families still feel the pinch, despite political claims of improvement.
And while Trump argues that his administration’s economic strategy is working, the reality is more complex. Manufacturing investments take years to materialize into job growth. A $3.3 billion Microsoft data center announced under Biden mirrors earlier efforts by Trump — including a $10 billion Foxconn deal — that failed to deliver promised jobs.
Public Sentiment Falling Across the Board
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index hit its second-lowest reading ever this November. Discontent spans party lines: independents posted a record low in satisfaction, while even Republicans registered their biggest dip in 18 months.
Voter frustration helped fuel Trump’s win in 2024, but that momentum is now in danger. The GOP has already suffered surprising defeats in recent state elections, raising alarms ahead of the 2026 midterms.
In response, Trump is planning more appearances in battleground states. His message will focus on tax relief — including cuts on overtime pay, Social Security, and tipped income — as well as regulatory rollbacks and lower prescription drug costs.
“The president knows he has a proven economic formula that works,” said a senior White House official. “It’s just going to take more time.”
Health Care and Long-Term Risks
Many Americans are also bracing for rising health care costs. Tiesha Blackwell, a 25-year-old near Detroit, has seen gas prices dip but worries about losing her mother’s insurance next year.
“I’m scared to see what health care rates are going to be,” she said.
Economists like Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute stress that price reversals are rare. “The best you can hope for is that they plateau, and wages eventually catch up.”
He added that flashy announcements and tariff-driven checks aren’t enough. “Americans want steady growth and stability — not photo ops and quick fixes.”
Trump continues to tout his tariffs as a success, pointing to $150 billion in new federal revenue since January and several corporate pledges to build manufacturing plants. He predicts the benefits will become more visible as factories open over the next year.
But skeptics, including former Biden adviser Ben Harris, say Trump’s policies — including tariffs and tighter immigration — may fuel more inflation.
“If your goal is to reshore manufacturing, of course that’s going to be more expensive,” Harris said. “That’s why it was offshored to begin with — to cut costs.”
Uncertain Midterm Outlook
As Trump eyes 2026, the stakes are growing. His team’s projected growth figures — 6% next year — are seen by many experts as unrealistic. Even his own adviser, Kevin Hassett, has suggested 4% would be difficult. The International Monetary Fund forecasts more modest growth of 2.0% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026.
More worrying for the long term: investors and international businesses are wary. Harris warned that the unpredictable nature of Trump’s tariff policy could drive companies to move operations out of the U.S. to avoid sudden penalties.
“The idea that tariffs can be imposed on a whim is pushing investors to diversify,” Harris said.
Despite the criticism, Trump remains confident. At a recent White House appearance with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he framed the current economy as the product of strong trade enforcement.
“Our country has never been in a position like this,” Trump declared. “It’s because we use tariffs to bring in money. And you’re going to see results next year.”
But with midterms on the horizon and economic patience wearing thin, Americans are waiting — and watching.
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