Americans Assess Cost of Living, Trump, and 2026 Outlook in CBS Poll
As the year 2025 draws to a close, Americans continue to express dissatisfaction with the economy. A recent CBS News poll indicates that many citizens view the cost of living as a significant challenge heading into 2026. The results reflect a growing concern about affordability in key areas like housing and healthcare.
Americans’ Economic Perspectives
In the eyes of most Americans, the U.S. remains an expensive place to live. A notable number of respondents describe essentials such as food and housing as difficult to afford. The sentiment is particularly strong regarding healthcare costs, which many find burdensome.
Trump’s Challenge in 2026
President Trump’s attempts to improve public perception of the economy face a steep hill. A large portion of respondents believe his policies have failed to enhance their financial situations in 2025. Only 20% feel that Trump’s administration positively affected their economic standing last year. Expectations for 2026 remain modest, although slightly more favorable than the previous year.
- Public perception leans towards Trump being associated with the economy more than President Biden.
- Criticism of Trump’s economic policies is tied to perceived inaction on issues like price reduction.
- Approval ratings improved slightly, yet criticisms still suggest Trump’s optimism does not align with reality.
Public Sentiment
Overall, Americans generally rate the economy around a “C” or “D.” However, there is a willingness among some citizens to reconsider their views in the coming year; notably, about 25% of disapproving respondents indicated that improvements in the economy could change their opinions about Trump.
Factors Influencing Economic Outlook
Several issues loom over the economic landscape as 2026 approaches. These include the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI), impacts from immigration policies, and healthcare reforms. Each of these factors has the potential to influence the American workforce and job market significantly.
Tech Sector and AI
While optimism exists regarding the technology sector, skepticism about AI’s long-term effects on jobs prevails. A majority of respondents believe AI may lead to job losses. Consequently, many Americans favor government intervention to restrict rather than promote AI advancements.
Immigration Policy Impact
The ongoing deportation program remains divisive and is often linked to economic implications. Supporters believe it will create job opportunities for citizens, while opponents argue that these roles may go unfilled. Current trends suggest a decline in border crossings, which has positively impacted Trump’s approval ratings on immigration management compared to the economy.
Healthcare Cost Concerns
Healthcare remains a significant concern for Americans. Many respondents express a desire to see the expansion of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Despite political support for reform, a large majority feel the current administration’s strategies are leading to higher healthcare costs rather than reducing them.
International Considerations
On the global stage, Americans do not perceive Trump’s actions in 2025 as having enhanced peace and stability. A significant portion believes that more transparency is needed, especially regarding U.S. policies in Venezuela.
Poll Details
This analysis stems from a CBS News/YouGov survey, which included 2,300 U.S. adults interviewed from December 17 to 19, 2025. The sampling was designed to reflect a balanced cross-section of the adult population based on various demographics. The margin of error for this poll is ±2.5 points.
