Updated data indicates a rising concern among Americans regarding their financial situation, with a marked decrease in feelings of security compared to last year. This is part of a worsening view of the U.S. economy, where ratings have dropped to levels comparable to 2023. A significant 75% of surveyed individuals state their incomes are not keeping pace with inflation, describing the economy as ‘uncertain.’ This reflects both immediate and future concerns driven by increasing gas prices and geopolitical tensions.
Specifically, the situation in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to economic uncertainty. Many Americans feel unclear about daily proceedings related to Iran, and the impact of these events on U.S. economic interests remains debated. Military success perceptions are relatively higher, yet it is too soon to determine the strategic benefits. Overall, opinions about the advantage in the Iran conflict are mixed.
President Trump is facing political backlash due to these economic issues. Two-thirds of Americans believe the president’s policies have worsened economic conditions in the short term. While some administration representatives advocate for patience, optimism about long-term improvements under his policies is limited. Feelings towards the administration’s economic approach are largely ‘frustrated’ or ‘angry.’ The president’s ratings on economic management and inflation are declining, even among Republicans. Republican approval for Trump on other areas like immigration remains high, contrasting with lower ratings for handling inflation.
Democrats are not widely seen as offering solutions either. Neither political party is perceived by the majority as effectively dealing with the cost of living, although Democrats have a slight edge in this regard. A substantial segment of the population believes neither party has a superior economic strategy, or remains undecided.
Looking ahead, optimism about the U.S. economy seems bleak, with most Americans anticipating a recession or slowdown. There are concerns about job availability and potential displacement due to artificial intelligence. Many under the age of fifty feel their opportunities are poorer than those experienced by previous generations. The widespread sentiment is reflected in the CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with 2,064 adults between May 13-15, 2026, employing representative sampling methods. The survey holds a ±2.7 point margin of error.
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