US voters report economic decline and corruption concerns

A survey conducted by Focaldata for the Financial Times reveals that 56% of registered US voters report their financial situation has worsened since the start of Donald Trump’s second presidential term in January 2025. More than a quarter of respondents indicated they have been forced to reduce spending on essential needs, such as food or medical care.

Regarding governance, 69% of those surveyed expressed being “very” or “somewhat” concerned about corruption, personal enrichment, or conflicts of interest within the Trump administration. This sentiment is widespread across political lines, with 83% of Republicans and 90% of independents expressing concern about corruption in the federal government, according to broader Gallup data.

Economic pressures, specifically rising prices, remain a significant political issue. Approximately 54% of participants hold the Trump administration or Republicans in Congress responsible for inflation. Over 40% of respondents stated that rising costs make them more likely to vote for the Democratic Party in the upcoming midterm elections on November 3, 2026.

The White House has rejected these criticisms. Spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that President Trump is working “in the best interest of the American community” and has launched a “large-scale war against fraud throughout the federal government.”