60% of Americans Blame Trump-Era Policies for Rising Living Costs Amid Recession Fears: Morning Consult Poll

Americans Name Their Economic Villains: Poll Reveals Deep Roots of Financial Anxiety

A new poll conducted by Morning Consult for the Century Foundation has struck a resonant chord across the American economic conversation. Far from a mere tally of partisan grievances, the survey’s findings illuminate the underlying architecture of financial unease that has come to define the lived experience of millions. For business leaders and technology strategists, the data offers not just a snapshot of public opinion, but a roadmap through the tangled interplay of policy, market forces, and the shifting sands of consumer sentiment.

Policy Decisions and the Price of Everyday Life

At the heart of the survey, one statistic stands out: 60% of respondents directly attribute today’s rising cost of living to the Trump administration’s economic policies. This is not a simple partisan reflex, but rather a reflection of the tangible consequences wrought by recent trade interventions. Tariffs and protectionist measures, once heralded as tools to boost domestic industry, have sent reverberations through global supply chains. The result? Elevated grocery bills, steeper prices on everyday goods, and a mounting sense that the economic deck is stacked against ordinary Americans.

These disruptions have exposed the fragility of a globally interdependent marketplace. When tariffs are imposed, the pain is rarely confined to foreign producers; it cascades through logistics networks, procurement contracts, and ultimately, the wallets of consumers. The poll’s findings underscore a fundamental truth of the modern economy: policy decisions made in the corridors of power can send shockwaves through the most intimate corners of daily life.

Financial Fragility and the Rise of Credit Reliance

Beyond the immediate sting of price inflation, the poll uncovers a deeper malaise—one that transcends partisan lines. Over 60% of those surveyed report acute difficulty in accessing well-paying jobs, buying homes, or securing affordable childcare. These challenges, far from being episodic, have become structural features of the American economic landscape.

The surge in credit card usage and personal loans is not just a reaction to short-term hardship. It is a symptom of a broader, more persistent financial insecurity. Households are increasingly reliant on debt as a buffer against volatility, eroding long-term resilience and amplifying vulnerability to even minor economic shocks. The sense of disconnect between policymaking and the day-to-day realities of American families is palpable, and it is fueling a growing skepticism toward both government and corporate actors.

Corporate Power, Regulation, and the Search for Accountability

While the poll’s respondents assign significant blame to past political decisions, their commentary also points to the expanding influence of corporate power. The perception that corporations and billionaire interests have exacerbated financial challenges is not new, but it has gained renewed urgency in an era of record profits and widening wealth gaps.

This sentiment raises pressing questions for policymakers and business leaders alike. How can regulatory frameworks evolve to ensure that market growth does not come at the expense of consumer welfare? The tension between fostering innovation and protecting the public interest is set to become an even more critical battleground as technology continues to reshape the economic landscape.

Navigating Uncertainty: The Future of Economic Resilience

Perhaps most telling of all is the widespread expectation of a looming recession—anxiety shared by 76% of those surveyed. This is more than a reflection of political discontent; it is a barometer of deep-seated uncertainty in an economy buffeted by technological disruption, global competition, and the legacy of past policy choices.

For business and technology leaders, the imperative is clear: adaptability and foresight must guide strategy in an environment where economic headwinds are both unpredictable and interconnected. The convergence of regulatory reform, corporate responsibility, and technological innovation will define the next chapter of American economic life.

The Morning Consult poll does not merely assign blame; it articulates a call for a more sophisticated dialogue—one that recognizes the complexity of the challenges at hand and the necessity of policies that foster both growth and inclusion. As the nation stands at this economic crossroads, the choices made today will reverberate for decades to come, shaping the prospects of businesses, workers, and families alike.