As President Donald Trump concludes his first year back in office, public opinion surveys reveal a growing discontent with his economic policies and overall governance. A Quinnipiac University poll conducted in December 2025 shows that 54 percent of American voters believe Trump has exceeded his presidential powers, with only 40 percent approving of his job performance. This disapproval is particularly pronounced regarding his handling of economic issues, with 57 percent disapproving of his economic stewardship and 64 percent identifying the rising cost of living as a serious concern.

Trump's recent campaign-style speeches, including one in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, aimed to reassure voters about his administration's economic policies. He claimed that the U.S. is entering a 'golden age' of economic prosperity, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Economic indicators show a rising unemployment rate of 4.6 percent, the highest since 2021, and job growth has significantly slowed, with an average of only 55,000 jobs added per month in 2025 compared to 168,000 in 2024.

In his speeches, Trump has attempted to highlight agreements with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices, asserting that these efforts will alleviate financial burdens on Americans. However, many voters remain skeptical, with a National Public Radio/Marist College survey indicating that 57 percent disapprove of his economic management. Concerns about healthcare affordability are also rising, as nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults rank health care among their top priorities for government action.

Trump's criticism of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reflects a broader narrative that positions corporate interests against the needs of everyday Americans. He has characterized the ACA as a vehicle for enriching insurance companies while failing to address the rising costs faced by consumers. Recent polling shows that 81 percent of respondents consider healthcare extremely important, with many advocating for government action to ensure coverage for all citizens.

Despite Trump's assertions of economic recovery and efforts to negotiate lower healthcare costs, the reality for many Americans remains challenging. The ongoing debates in Congress regarding healthcare subsidies and the lack of legislative progress on critical issues underscore the complexities of addressing economic and health-related concerns in the current political climate. As the midterm elections approach, these issues are likely to remain central to public discourse and voter sentiment.