Voters’ perceptions of the economy have improved slightly, but sentiments overall are still largely negative.
Since President Donald Trump began his second term, the positive assessment of the economy has risen from 21% in March to 28% in April, reaching 31% in the most recent FOX News survey. In June 2024, it peaked at 32%, while 33% rated the economic situation positively at the end of Trump’s first term in December 2020. Interestingly, before the pandemic in January 2020, that number was 55%.
Now, 62% of respondents report that their families are doing better financially—up by five points since January. About 14% say they are moving forward, while 48% feel their financial situation is stable. Meanwhile, 36% indicate they are struggling, marking the lowest percentage in four years.
Despite the slight uptick in positive feelings, overall economic sentiment remains quite pessimistic. A significant 84% express strong concern about inflation, and 68% regard current conditions as fair or poor. Furthermore, 55% hold a negative view of the economy.
Those most likely to view the economy unfavorably include Democrats, independents, women, and voters without a college degree. In contrast, Republicans, men, and those with degrees tend to have a more favorable outlook.
According to Daron Shaw, a Republican pollster, “During Biden’s presidency, Republicans and independents were largely negative about the economy, while only a few Democrats shared those views. Now, with Trump back in office, Democrats feel very pessimistic, while Republicans are more optimistic.”
A broad 21-point margin indicates voter opposition to federal budget laws passed by the House, which the president refers to as “one big beautiful bill.” About 49% think the legislation harms families, while 23% believe it helps. Another 26% feel it makes no difference.
About 60% say they understand the contents of the bill, and those who do tend to support it more than those who are less informed, even though they think it harms families more than it helps (45% vs. 34%). The perspective on this legislation is highly partisan; 73% of Republicans support it, while 89% of Democrats and 73% of independents oppose it. Half of Republicans believe it benefits their households.
Overall, 57% think tariffs are likely to damage the economy, nearly twice as many as those who perceive them as helpful. A slight majority (53%) likes Trump’s approach to border security, with 46% disapproving. However, he fares worse on immigration (53% disapprove) and foreign policy (57% disapprove). His economic approval sits at 40%, while negative sentiments about inflation are widespread at 34% favorability and a 64% disapproval rate, leaving him quite challenged overall.
The president’s overall job approval stands at 46%, with 54% opposing. His approval had been slightly higher—up to 55%—in April, and reached 49% in March 2025 and April 2020. Notably, 55% of white men under 45 and 54% of those without college degrees give him solid marks. Among Republicans, 70% align themselves with the MAGA movement, with an overwhelming 98% approval rate among that group.
Conversely, about 90% of Democrats voice disapproval of Trump on various issues. Notably, Republican approval dips to 68% regarding inflation and 75% concerning the economy. Among independents, dissatisfaction ranges from about half for border security to three-quarters for inflation.
When asked about their feelings toward Trump personally, he registers a 10-point deficit, with 45% favorable opinions compared to 55% unfavorable ones. Comparatively, figures for other politicians show him trailing slightly behind individuals like JD Vance and Joe Biden. Harris, on the other hand, enjoys a bit more favor among Democrats and independents compared to Trump among Republicans.
Concerns about inflation are particularly high, with 84% indicating worry, including 78% of Republicans. Inflation is identified as the primary concern, with 85% of voters anxious about the future direction of the country, encompassing eight in ten Republicans and nine in ten Democrats.
There’s significant apprehension about government spending and nuclear threats from Iran as well. About seven in ten express concern regarding anti-Semitism, illegal immigration, and the use of military force domestically. Six in ten residents of U.S. cities are worried about protests.
Interestingly, more Democrats (87%) and independents (71%) are worried about federal force deployment in response to protests compared to only 42% of Republicans. However, a higher proportion of Republicans (84%) expresses concern about illegal immigration compared to independents (68%) and Democrats (49%).
Despite differences, all groups—Democrats, Republicans, and independents—share common concerns. Key issues for Democrats include the future of the U.S., inflation, and military deployment domestically, while Republicans prioritize illegal immigration, nuclear threats, and government spending. Independents tend to focus on the country’s future, inflation, and fiscal policies.
The FOX News Survey was conducted from June 13-16, 2025, by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research, sampling 1,003 registered voters. Interviews were conducted over landlines, mobile phones, and online. The margin of error for the complete sample is ±3 percentage points, with more substantial errors present within subgroups. Other factors, such as question phrasing and order, could also influence results. Weighting was applied to demographic factors to ensure the sample reflects the registered voter population accurately.
