Americans are grappling with rising costs that make everyday necessities and major expenses increasingly difficult to manage. According to a recent POLITICO Poll conducted by Public First, a significant portion of the population struggles with the affordability of groceries, utilities, health care, housing, and transportation.

Nearly half of the respondents find these essential costs challenging, with over a quarter admitting to skipping medical check-ups and 23% foregoing prescribed medications due to financial constraints. These affordability issues extend beyond healthcare, affecting leisure activities; 37% of Americans can't afford professional sports events, and 46% are unable to fund vacations involving air travel.

Despite President Donald Trump's high self-rating on economic management in a recent interview with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns, where he claimed, “prices are all coming down,” public sentiment tells a different story. These economic pressures are not only a source of distress but are also shaping political opinions as the 2026 midterms approach. Even among Trump’s supporters, there is a noticeable strain on patience regarding persistent high costs.

POLITICO journalists delved into the poll results, revealing nuanced views across various sectors:

Tariffs: Trump’s tariff policies remain controversial. While 36% of Trump voters believe these will eventually benefit the U.S. economy, only 22% see immediate positive impacts. The skepticism is even starker among MAGA Republicans, with a divided opinion on whether tariffs currently boost the economy.

College Costs: The poll indicates a stark disenchantment with the value of college education. Only a quarter of Americans see college as worth the investment, highlighting a widespread belief across age groups that higher education is either too costly or lacks sufficient benefits. Both Trump and former President Joe Biden have recognized these concerns, with Trump urging cost control in colleges and moving away from Biden’s student loan forgiveness initiatives.

Food Prices: High grocery prices are a major worry, surpassing concerns over housing or healthcare. Despite Trump attributing his 2024 reelection partly to promises of reducing everyday costs, 55% blame his administration for the ongoing high prices of groceries.

Housing: Housing remains a critical issue, with costs soaring to the point where the median age of first-time homebuyers has reached 40. While MAGA Republicans primarily blame the Biden administration for high housing costs, other Republican groups are more critical of current policies.

Health Care Costs: About half of the American adults find health care costs difficult to manage. There is a political divide, with a significant portion of non-MAGA Republicans trusting Democrats more than their party to reduce health care expenses.

As the U.S. heads towards the midterm elections, these affordability issues are poised to play a significant role in shaping voter attitudes, potentially influencing the political landscape as parties strategize on addressing these pressing economic concerns.