“I think we actually have the greatest economy in history,” Trump told Fox Business. — Your 401(k) (private pension plans linked to the capital market) are doing very well, he said during a visit to the Fort Bragg military base.
What economic achievements does Donald Trump mention?
How many percent of Americans disapprove of the president's actions to fight inflation?
What macroeconomic indicators have improved in the US?
Why don't many U.S. families see their financial situation improve?
The White House emphasizes that the Dow Jones index closed near 50,000 for the first time. points, and the S&P 500 (an index of the 500 largest American companies) is at historic highs. In January, 130,000 people arrived. jobs — more than twice what economists had forecast — and inflation fell to its lowest level since May.
According to the AAA (American Automobile Association) drivers' association, the average price of gasoline was $2.94 per gallon, which is the lowest result at this time of year since 2021. Kush Desai, spokesman for Donald Trump's campaign, said that “inflation is finally slowing down and real wages are rising,” attributing this improvement to the policies of the current administration.
Polls contradict Donald Trump's narrative
As The Washington Post noted on Sunday, however, polling data points to persistently high costs of living that are draining the wallets of ordinary Americans. According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey from the end of January, 59 percent respondents do not approve the president's actions in the fight against prices (including 43 percent who strongly), and only 28 percent believes that the economy is heading in the right direction.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index remains about 20 percent. lower than in January 2025, reflecting deep concerns about the prices of food, housing and services. Although rents and the availability of mortgage loans have improved slightly, Intercontinental Exchange (an exchange operator and financial data provider) reports that to return to the pre-pandemic level of housing availability, household income would have to increase by more than 15%. while maintaining stable real estate prices.
The benefits of the stock market boom are distributed unevenly. A Gallup poll shows that 40 percent American adults do not have a 401(k) account or any other retirement savings, which means Wall Street's records have no direct impact on their wealth.
“Most Americans Are Not Satisfied”
Sentiment among non-stock holders remains near its lowest levels in at least eight years. Mitch Brown from the Republican research firm Cygnal indicated that only 30 percent voters are able to cover a sudden expense of PLN 1,000. dollars, which intensifies the feeling of lack of stability.
— Most Americans are still not satisfied with the progress in the fight against inflation, said Republican consultant Whit Ayres, quoted by the Washington Post. In turn, Mark Mitchell from the conservative opinion polling center Rasmussen Reports was ironic on X, criticizing the administration for excessively exposing stock market profits: “Let them eat S&P.”
