As year ends, Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in CBS News poll
December 21, 2025 / 9:00 AM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- Most Americans consistently voiced negative views about the economy in the years following the 2020 pandemic, with concerns about costs expected to dominate 2026.
- A majority of Americans perceive the U.S. as an expensive place to live, finding basics like food and housing difficult to afford.
- Fewer than one in five Americans believe President Trump's policies made them financially better off in 2025, and expectations for 2026 are only slightly better.
- The public largely views the current economy as 'Mr. Trump's economy' rather than 'Joe Biden's economy'.
- Americans who give the economy bad grades are more likely to hold President Trump responsible.
- Most Americans feel President Trump describes economic conditions as better than they really are.
- Two-thirds of Americans believe President Trump favors the wealthy over the middle class, a number higher than earlier in the year.
- Americans are most optimistic about the technology sector but skeptical about AI's impact on jobs, preferring government policies that restrict rather than promote AI.
- Most Americans believe the administration's policies are increasing health insurance costs and are not convinced of the president's approach to lowering drug prices.