Donald Trump falls behind Biden on cost‑of‑living approval as voters doubt Epstein justice efforts

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 22% of Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of household costs, compared with 29% for former President Joe Biden, leaving Trump seven points below Biden on the issue he campaigned on. Overall job approval for Trump sits at 35%, unchanged from May, while 70% disapprove of his cost‑of‑living stance. The poll also indicates waning Republican support: only 36% back the recent strikes on Iran, and voter preference for Congress now favors Democrats 41% to 37%. Trust in the GOP’s economic argument is split, with 37% of voters trusting Republicans versus 36% trusting Democrats.

On the separate issue of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, just 21% of Republicans believe the Trump administration has helped deliver justice, and only 10% think it has held people connected to Epstein accountable. One‑in‑five respondents say alleged clients of Epstein have been held accountable, while 84% say powerful individuals are rarely held to account and three‑quarters think the government is still withholding information. The poll notes that Bill Gates, whose ties to Epstein were highlighted in released Justice Department files, will meet with congressional investigators.