Polling Data Reveals Dire Cost-of-Living Crisis for Trump and Republicans
CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten has presented alarming polling data regarding the cost-of-living crisis, which has been further intensified by Donald Trump's Iran war policies. During Thursday's "News Central" broadcast, Enten described the numbers as "the most troublesome sign that I have seen for the President of the United States and the Republican Party so far."
Record Low Approval Ratings on Economic Issues
Trump's net approval rating on cost-of-living matters has dramatically declined to -41 points, a significant drop from the +3 points recorded in October 2024. Enten exclaimed, "Woo! Down underwater we go! His net approval at a record low, 41 points below water! You can't win when you're at 41 points below water on the cost of living."
Independent Voters Show Even Greater Disapproval
The situation appears more severe among independent voters, with Trump's approval rating on cost-of-living issues standing at 60 points underwater. Enten emphasized, "You think this 41 points below water is bad? Take a look at independents. It's even worse. I mean, 60 points underwater when it comes to Trump and the cost of living among independents. Again, a record low."
Enten characterized this dramatic shift as "a 71-point switcheroo" in "the wrong direction" for the former president. He warned that these numbers represent "just a political nightmare waiting to happen for the Republican party come the midterm election."
Potential Electoral Consequences for Republicans
The analyst suggested that these troubling figures could have significant implications for Republican electoral prospects. With cost-of-living concerns having been the top issue for voters during the 2024 presidential election, Enten indicated the polling data might foreshadow disaster for the GOP in both House and Senate races during the 2026 midterm elections.
The combination of economic pressures and foreign policy decisions appears to be creating substantial political challenges for Trump and his party, according to the latest polling analysis from CNN's data team.
