As Trump Touts Economic Gains, Many Workers Still Feel the Pinch

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by Audra D. S. Burch

February 23, 2026

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President Trump claims to have successfully reduced inflation, yet many American workers continue to face significant financial challenges despite the improving economy. While unemployment rates have declined and inflation has slowed, the benefits of economic growth have disproportionately favored the wealthy. For millions of families, rising costs in key areas such as housing, healthcare, education, and childcare are making it difficult to manage daily expenses and plan for the future. Maribel McBeath, a 66-year-old cleaner from Charlotte, N.C., exemplifies this struggle. Despite earning $16.50 an hour, her income is barely enough to cover rent, leaving little room for savings or retirement planning. Her situation reflects a broader trend where many workers feel the economic gains touted by Trump do not align with their lived experiences. While the stock market has surged and unemployment rates have improved, these advancements have done little to ease the financial burden on middle- and lower-income families. Kristin Errico, a 43-year-old managing editor in New York, echoes this sentiment. Despite her stable job, she struggles to keep up with rising costs while her salary remains stagnant. This disparity has forced many to make tough decisions, such as delaying retirement, cutting back on essential expenses, or even taking on multiple jobs—a phenomenon referred to as "polyworking." Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly 8.6 million people held multiple jobs in January, highlighting the growing trend of workers trying to stay afloat through additional income sources. The issue of affordability has become a critical concern for many Americans, particularly those in the middle class. While economic indicators suggest progress, the reality for everyday workers remains uncertain. The gap between the rhetoric of economic success and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens underscores a pressing need for policies that address the rising cost of living and ensure more equitable access to financial stability. This disconnect between economic policy outcomes and real-world challenges is why affordability has emerged as a defining issue in American households. For readers interested in understanding how economic gains translate into everyday

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026