President Donald Trump has declared the United States economy to be in a period of unprecedented prosperity, asserting that he has successfully addressed inflation. However, a comprehensive new poll indicates that the majority of American citizens, including a significant portion of his own Republican Party, hold a starkly different view of the nation's economic condition.
Poll Reveals Widespread Skepticism
The latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, which concluded on Monday, presents a direct challenge to Trump's optimistic narrative. The poll found that a substantial 68% of respondents disagree with the statement that "the US economy is booming," a claim the President has frequently reiterated since his return to office in January 2025.
Republican Division Ahead of Elections
Perhaps more concerning for the Trump administration is the sharp division within the Republican Party itself. The poll data shows that only 56% of Republicans believe the economy is booming, while 43% express disagreement. This internal split serves as a clear warning signal for the party as it prepares to defend its majorities in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate during the crucial midterm elections scheduled for 3 November.
State of the Union Address Claims
In his recent State of the Union address delivered on Tuesday, President Trump painted a picture of economic triumph, stating, "This is the golden age of America. The roaring economy is roaring like never before." These declarations were made despite mounting evidence from various economic indicators and public opinion surveys suggesting a more nuanced reality.
Political Implications
The significant gap between presidential rhetoric and public perception could have profound political consequences. With less than four months remaining until the midterm elections, the Republican Party faces the challenge of unifying its base around an economic message that appears increasingly disconnected from the experiences of many voters, including those within their own ranks.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll methodology involved a nationally representative sample, providing a statistically significant snapshot of American sentiment. The timing of the survey, completed just before Trump's State of the Union address, adds particular weight to its findings as a measure of pre-speech public opinion.
