As inflation continues to impact households across the US, a new poll highlights the stark contrast between public perception and President Trump’s assurances. While Trump insists that prices have “WAY DOWN” and inflation is largely behind the country, the reality for many Americans is a different story, with monthly costs rising for most families.
In an exclusive poll conducted by Harris for The Guardian, 74% of respondents reported seeing their household costs increase by at least $100. Despite Trump’s repeated claims that inflation has been significantly reduced since his re-election, the survey paints a picture of a public still struggling with higher prices. With the 2024 elections looming, economic concerns are likely to play a key role in shaping voter decisions.
Trump’s Economic Claims Face Public Skepticism
Since taking office, President Trump has repeatedly touted a decline in inflation, claiming that prices are rapidly falling. “There’s virtually no inflation,” Trump said in a recent social media post, a sentiment echoed by his supporters. However, the Harris poll suggests that many Americans do not share his view.
According to the survey, a majority of households have experienced price hikes, with 34% seeing monthly costs rise by between $100 and $249, 24% reporting increases ranging from $250 to $499, and 16% experiencing hikes of $500 to $749. In total, 74% of respondents reported increases of at least $100, reflecting the widespread impact of inflation.
These figures underline the disconnect between the administration’s rhetoric and the lived reality of millions of Americans. Both Republicans and Democrats, alongside independents, report seeing rising prices, which challenges Trump’s assertion that the inflation battle has been won. Despite a slight overall decline in inflation rates from 3% to 2.9%, the Federal Reserve’s 2% target remains elusive, leaving many households feeling the squeeze.
Diverging Views on the Causes of Inflation
As inflation remains a central issue, Americans are divided on its root causes. The Harris poll found that Republicans are more likely to view the price increases as part of regular economic fluctuations, with 45% attributing it to standard inflationary pressures. By contrast, 55% of Democrats and independents believe the price hikes are driven by government policies, including tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.
This division in perception highlights the ideological rift in how Americans understand the factors behind inflation. While Republicans may be inclined to dismiss tariffs as a significant driver of rising costs, Democrats and independents are more likely to view them as a contributing factor. The ongoing debate over tariffs, economic policies, and inflationary pressures is expected to remain a contentious issue as the country heads into another election cycle.
