A new CBS News poll shows Americans growing increasingly frustrated with President Trump's approach to the economy, with approval ratings on the issue sliding to levels not seen since 2023. The survey of 2,064 U.S. adults, conducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, found that two-thirds of respondents believe the president's policies are making the economy worse in the short term, according to results released this week.
Three-quarters of those polled said incomes are not keeping up with inflation, while feelings of financial security have dropped compared to the same period last year. Many described the overall economy as "uncertain," citing immediate pressures from rising gas prices tied to developments in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
"Most Americans feel they aren't getting a clear understanding of what's happening day to day in the Strait of Hormuz," the poll summary noted. Perceptions of military success in the region were somewhat higher, though views remained mixed on whether the conflict advances broader U.S. strategic interests.
Frustration extends beyond short-term concerns. A growing number of Americans said opportunities today are worse than those faced by their parents' generation, with pessimism about the economy particularly pronounced among those under 50. Most respondents also expressed worry that artificial intelligence will take jobs and that finding desirable employment will prove difficult.
President Trump's handling of inflation has drawn declining support even among Republicans, who continue to rate him highly on immigration at 89 percent and overall at 85 percent. His marks on inflation stand at 63 percent within the party, creating a notable gap that has widened since the rise in oil prices linked to the Iran conflict.
The poll found most Americans describe their feelings toward the administration's economic approach as either "frustrated" or "angry." Overall presidential approval has ticked down to its lowest level of the second term, according to the CBS News/YouGov survey, which was weighted to reflect national demographics based on Census data and the 2024 presidential vote.
Democrats receive a relative edge on helping with the cost of living, though neither party earns majority approval for addressing that issue. A sizable third of respondents said neither side offers a better economic policy or expressed uncertainty on the question.
Looking ahead, the outlook tilts toward pessimism, with most expecting either a recession or economic slowdown. The economy is more often labeled "unfair" than "fair" in the survey responses, adding to broader unease about long-term prospects.
Officials in the administration have urged patience regarding the effects of current policies, noting relatively more optimism that conditions could improve over the longer term. Still, the immediate picture remains dominated by concerns over inflation, energy costs, and job security amid ongoing international developments.
The margin of error for the poll stands at plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. Results reflect a nationally representative sample adjusted for gender, age, race, education, and voting patterns from the previous election.