One year into Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, American voters across the political spectrum offer divergent perspectives on his economic performance. While campaigning for his non-consecutive term, Trump positioned economic revitalization as a cornerstone of his platform. The BBC conducted nationwide interviews to gauge whether citizens perceive improvement in their financial circumstances under his renewed administration.
In rural Michigan, a Republican supporter reports dramatic price reductions for basic groceries following initial supply chain disruptions. “We’re aiming in a better place these days,” she noted, contrasting current conditions with earlier periods when egg prices reached $11 and difficult choices between feeding herself or her pets were necessary. Despite being on fixed income with minimal food stamps, she describes the situation as “night and day” improved.
Conversely, an independent voter and new father expresses frustration with rising costs, particularly the $25,000 annual childcare expense that forced his family to reduce their food budget. Though both parents maintain professional careers—engineering and airline piloting—neither can afford to leave work. He criticizes the president’s credibility: “It feels like Trump doesn’t tell the truth about almost anything,” assigning the administration a 4/10 economic grade while condemning shrinkflation practices in baby products.
An Indiana Republican supporter acknowledges decreased inflation statistics but questions their real-world impact, noting persistently high prices for utilities and other essentials. While supporting Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities, he suggests the president has spread himself too thin across multiple issues rather than focusing on economic fundamentals as promised.
Foreign policy concerns weigh heavily on an independent voter who fears international tensions could trigger economic collapse. She and her husband have delayed home purchasing despite savings, keeping reserves secure due to anxiety over presidential remarks regarding NATO and Greenland.
A recently graduated registered Democrat contradicts White House employment statistics, reporting daily job applications without success despite the administration’s touted job market performance. “I don’t see the data, I don’t see the proof,” she states, describing how unemployment severely impacts her family’s stability.
Finally, an independent financial consultant acknowledges marginal financial improvement but worries about sustainability. He credits tax policies with boosting corporate earnings and stock markets but notes these gains haven’t offset consumer cost increases. Expressing concern over presidential influence on Federal Reserve independence, he observes economic priorities shifting toward geopolitical matters involving Iran and Venezuela.