Trump Faces Challenges in Economic Expectations Amid Party Divisions

Fri Jan 16 2026 16:44:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new AP-NORC survey reveals that President Trump's second term has not met economic expectations, with dwindling support among Republicans regarding cost of living improvements.

Nearly a year into his second term, President Trump's economic performance has fallen short of expectations among many Republicans, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. The survey shows a significant decline in perceptions, with only 16% of Republicans believing he has effectively addressed the rising cost of living. While Trump's immigration policies still enjoy strong support within the party, his overall approval is slipping, as many Republicans express frustration over economic issues. With 79% saying he previously made strides in addressing costs during his first term, dissatisfaction among his base raises questions about his agenda moving forward.

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly a year into his second term, President Donald Trump’s work on the economy hasn’t lived up to the expectations of many people in his own party, according to a new AP-NORC survey.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a significant gap between the economic leadership Americans remembered from Trump’s first term and what they’ve gotten so far, as he creates a stunning level of turmoil at home and abroad.

Just 16% of Republicans say Trump has helped “a lot” in addressing the cost of living, down from 49% in April 2024, when an AP-NORC poll asked Americans the same question about his first term.

At the same time, Republicans are overwhelmingly supportive of the president’s leadership on immigration — even if some don’t like his tactics.

John Candela, 64, who lives in New Rochelle, New York, commented on the ongoing costs, stating, “Still paying $5 for Oreos.” Nevertheless, he is willing to be patient, saying, “I would expect it to be different by the time his four years are up.”

Other aspects of the poll reveal that Trump's economic initiatives have not resonated well with the core Republican base. For instance, only about 4 in 10 Republicans say Trump has helped address the cost of living at least “a little” in his second term, compared to 79% who felt similarly about his first term.

Despite this dissatisfaction regarding economic issues, the poll indicates that a large majority of Republicans, around 8 in 10, approve of Trump’s overall job performance, contrasting sharply with the general adult population's approval of only 4 in 10.

The poll further illustrates concerns regarding health care, job creation, and inflation, with respondents noting escalating prices in various sectors. Trump’s efforts on immigration continue to garner support, though his approval ratings have dipped slightly.

Local Republicans like Ryan James Hughes from Texas express that while their personal financial situations may not have improved, they are not looking to the government for security, reflecting a broader sentiment among Republicans.

The changing landscape of Republican sentiment also shows a potential movement away from some of Trump's strategies, especially given the mixed feelings regarding his immigration policies.

Ultimately, while a significant portion of Republicans feel optimistic about the country’s trajectory, many are struggling with the realities of their personal economic circumstances, raising questions about Trump's sustainability as a leader in the upcoming political landscape.