More than 80% say affordability has not improved under Trump, exclusive YouGov-MarketWatch poll finds

MarketWatch

by Venessa Wong

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

More than 80% of Americans believe affordability has not improved under President Donald Trump’s leadership, according to an exclusive YouGov-MarketWatch poll. Conducted this month, the survey revealed significant concerns about living expenses, with grocery prices, insurance costs, prescription drug prices, rent, and housing affordability ranking as top challenges for consumers. The data shows that nearly 47% of respondents reported that affordability has worsened somewhat or a lot over the past year. Meanwhile, only 18% felt that it had improved, while 36% indicated no significant change. This suggests that despite Trump’s campaign promises to address cost-of-living issues, many Americans are still grappling with financial strain. The findings highlight a persistent gap between economic policy and public perception. While the administration has implemented measures such as tax cuts and deregulation, these efforts have not sufficiently alleviated the burden of rising living costs for most households. Issues like food insecurity, healthcare expenses, and housing affordability continue to weigh heavily on American families, underscoring the need for targeted solutions. This matters to readers interested in finance because it reflects broader economic trends and challenges facing middle- and lower-income earners. The survey underscores the importance of addressing cost-of-living concerns, which remain a key issue for voters and could influence political sentiment ahead of upcoming elections. As Trump prepares to address the nation during the State of the Union speech, the findings serve as a reminder that economic policies must prioritize real relief for everyday Americans.

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Originally published on MarketWatch on 2/24/2026