By Fred Backus and Jennifer De Pinto
May 17, 2026 / CBS News
A new CBS News/YouGov poll finds growing financial stress and a deepening sense of economic uncertainty among Americans. Overall impressions of the U.S. economy have fallen since this time last year, dropping to levels not seen since 2023. Large majorities say incomes are not keeping up with rising prices, and many feel the future looks worse rather than better.
Poll details
The survey, conducted May 13–15, 2026, interviewed a nationally representative sample of 2,064 U.S. adults. Results were weighted by gender, age, race and education, and 2024 presidential vote. The margin of error is ±2.7 points.
Economic outlook and household finances
Three-quarters of respondents say their incomes are not keeping pace with inflation. Many describe the economy using words such as “uncertain” and “unfair” rather than “fair” or “stable.” Most expect either a recession or a significant slowdown ahead, and a majority say finding a job they would want would be difficult.
Concerns about rising gas prices and global events
Rising gas prices are a key immediate concern. The poll finds that the conflict with Iran and related tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are feeding economic anxiety: most Americans say they do not have a clear understanding of what is happening there, and most do not believe the conflict so far has helped U.S. economic interests. Perceptions of military success are mixed, and many respondents say it is too soon to judge whether U.S. strategic objectives are being advanced.
Views of President Trump’s economic approach
The president’s economic stewardship is fueling voter frustration. Two-thirds of respondents say Mr. Trump’s policies have made the economy worse in the short term. Overall approval of his handling of the economy and inflation has slipped, and his overall job approval is at the lowest point of his second term in this poll.
Feelings about the administration’s economic approach are often negative: most Americans say they feel either frustrated or angry. Even among Republicans—who continue to give the president high marks on several issues—ratings for his handling of inflation have declined. Republicans still give him strong marks on immigration (89%) and overall performance (85%), but only 63% approve of his handling of inflation. Among the roughly one-third of Republicans who rate him negatively on inflation, many report feeling frustrated rather than angry.
Partisan balance on cost-of-living help
Voters do not see a clear solution from either party. A majority say neither party is effectively helping with the cost of living, though Democrats are given a slight edge on that question. A substantial portion of the public either prefers neither party’s economic approach or is unsure which side has the better plan.
Technology, jobs and generational concerns
Concerns about job displacement from artificial intelligence are widespread. Most respondents worry AI will take jobs, and many say opportunities today are worse for their generation than they were for their parents. That feeling is especially strong among Americans under 50, who are more likely than older respondents to say they have fewer opportunities than the previous generation.
Bottom line
The poll paints a picture of broad economic unease: persistent inflation worries, rising gasoline costs tied to geopolitical tensions, declining confidence in presidential economic management, and anxiety about future job prospects. For many Americans the immediate experience is stress and uncertainty, and those sentiments are translating into declining ratings for how the country—and its leadership—is handling the economy.