The national mood in the United States is turning increasingly anxious, as everyday struggles with soaring grocery bills, record-high rents, and mounting debt overshadow optimistic government figures. For millions of Americans, inflation is no longer an abstract concept—it is felt at the checkout counter and in dwindling bank balances. At the center of this frustration is President Donald J. Trump, whose once-vaunted reputation as a steward of economic growth is facing serious doubts.

Recent polls reveal a troubling slide in Trump’s approval ratings. A Reuters/Ipsos survey placed his support at 40%, while Gallup recorded an even lower 37%. What is most striking is not only the overall decline but the erosion among traditionally reliable demographics, including working-class men and independents. In one Morning Consult poll, 63% of respondents blamed Trump for rising food prices, and more than half said their personal finances had worsened under his leadership.

The disconnect between Wall Street’s strong performance and Main Street’s financial pain has sharpened discontent. Everyday expenses, from milk to rent, weigh heavily on families. Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have only fueled concerns, with nearly eight in ten Americans fearing further price hikes on essential goods.

Perhaps most damaging is the growing perception that Trump, once the outsider promising change, now embodies the very system he railed against. With recession fears looming—76% of Americans believe one is imminent—voters are questioning whether his leadership can deliver stability.

Poll numbers may fluctuate, but the current data suggests a deeper erosion of trust. For Trump, regaining credibility will require more than slogans; it will demand convincing Americans that their economy truly works for them again.