Brief

Poll shows only 17% approve Trump’s handling of cost of living

A new AP‑NORC poll released days before the 2026 midterms shows low approval for Trump on inflation and tariffs.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:58:45 GMT

According to an Associated Press‑NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released on October 1, 2026, only 17% of US adults approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 26% approve of his overall economic management.

What happened

The poll, conducted weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, found that 65% of respondents blame Trump’s policies for high prices, citing tariffs and the war with Iran. About half of Americans say they are "extremely" or "very" concerned about gasoline costs, up from 39% in July, and a similar share are highly concerned about food prices.

What the reports add

The survey also shows that 69% think the war with Iran has not been worth fighting, and only 28% approve of Trump’s handling of that conflict. Approval of his trade policy sits at roughly 30%, with 64% saying his new tariffs have gone too far.

What was said

"I was hoping it would be better or different, but it’s not really good," said Robert Gault, a 66‑year‑old retired factory worker and Republican from Bradford, Pennsylvania, as reported by Independent. "Just the cost of everything is going up as a result of fuel," added Pedro Sanchez, a 52‑year‑old California law‑enforcement worker who voted for Trump.

How it came about

The poll follows earlier Felo News coverage of voter sentiment ahead of the midterms, including a September 20 article noting that 43% of voters want the election to signal opposition to Trump.

Key facts

17% of US adults approve of Trump's handling of the cost of living (independent.co.uk)
65% blame Trump’s policies for high prices (independent.co.uk)
Half of Americans are extremely or very concerned about gasoline costs (independent.co.uk)