Trump's Economic Reign: Voter Perspectives on Progress and Challenges

Tue Jan 20 2026 10:18:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Donald Trump campaigns for a second term, voters across America share mixed feelings about his economic policies—some praising improvements, while others raise concerns over prices and job opportunities.

In the wake of Donald Trump's second presidential campaign, diverse opinions from voters highlight a split perspective on the state of the U.S. economy. Some report positive changes, including lower food prices and better living conditions, while others express frustration over rising costs and stagnant job growth. This article captures the sentiments of voters from various backgrounds regarding Trump's economic impact one year into his return to the White House.

When campaigning to become president for the second time, Donald Trump made improving the economy a central part of his pitch to voters.

One year after returning to the White House, we asked voters about that promise. What do they think of the state of the economy? Are their lives better today than they were a year ago?

People from across the US and the political spectrum told the BBC about setting food budgets, applying for jobs, and more. Here are some of their insights.

Mary Anne Dagata, 72, Michigan

This Michigander, a Republican, has seen the prices of basic food items fall in her rural area since Trump returned to the White House.

At the beginning of the year, things were a lot tougher. Gas was really, really bad, and we had problems with getting food trucked in because I live in a rural area, so prices shot up real crazy. Where other people were complaining about $7 (£5.23) eggs, we had $11 (£8.22) eggs.

Some days it was like deciding whether the dogs ate or I ate. I'm on social security and I have a budget and I'm allowed food stamps, but I only get $24 a month and that doesn't buy a whole lot. It's much better now; it's like night and day. We're aiming in a better place these days, things have completely come around from where we were a year ago.

Anthony Landaeta, 33, Minnesota

An independent voter, this father of an 18-month-old boy has cut down his food budget after he discovered the shockingly steep price tag for childcare.

It feels like the price of everything is rising. Childcare costs are about $25,000 per year, which really surprised me. ... It feels like Trump doesn't tell the truth about almost anything, so it's hard to know how the economy is actually doing.

Shrinkflation drives me crazy. We bought baby formula, a 32oz bottle, and then a little later, when we went to buy it again, it came in a 24oz bottle. Same product, just a smaller amount for the same price.

Jim Sullivan, 55, Indiana

This Indiana Republican backs the president but feels he was better off in the first Trump administration than in the second... so far.

I know inflation is down, allegedly down, but prices for all kinds of other things are super high, electricity, all kinds of things. There's so many things that he could be doing that he is doing, but he just needs to focus on a few things. I feel like I was doing a lot better then.

Denise Demontagnac, 21, Maryland

This registered Democrat graduated from university last year and has not been able to find work since, despite a job market the president has touted.

One year post-graduation, I have not been able to find a stable job. It's not that I haven't applied for jobs. I've applied for jobs every single day. The job market is not as great as it's been portrayed.