Over 6 in 10 Americans Are Pessimistic About The Economic Outlook. Most Blame Trump: Poll

Most Americans are pessimistic about the state of the economy, with most blaming President Donald Trump for it, according to a new poll.

Conducted by CNBC and released on Friday, the survey showed that 61% of respondents were pessimistic about the current situation and the future outlook. It is the highest figure since December 2023. Only one in four respondents said they were optimistic.

"More voters expect things to get worse by a 41/29% margin, leaving the electorate in a distinctly sour mood heading into the midterm election cycle,″ Micah Roberts, partner at Public Opinion Strategies, the Republican pollsters for the survey, told the outlet.

Elsewhere , a significant percentage of respondents said they are taking action to cut back on costs as prices continue to increase. 47% of them said they are buying fewer essential items like food and medical care, up six points from April, while two thirds are reducing the purchase of non-essentials, like eating out (5 points).

Another report detailed that the buying of grocery units fell 1.8% in June compared to the previous year.

The study, conducted by Bain & Company using NielsenIQ grocery and published by CNBC, shows a reversal compared to the 0.1% increase recorded in June 2025.

"That big grocery stock up trip that costs you $300 in 2019, now costing you $400," Kurt Grichel, head of Bain's America retail practice, told the outlet.

"Even that upper-income consumer, you're talking a big enough absolute dollar change that people start to feel a little bit of that sticker shock and start to shop around," he added.

The company says several pressure points are impacting consumers at the moment. They involve higher grocery prices, elevated fuel costs and reduced SNAP benefits conducted by the Trump administration.

The company's Consumer Pulse Wave survey, which took place in May, showed that four in five Americans are trying to spend less, while more than one in four are actively cutting back on grocery spending. More than half of then are resorting to cheaper brands and 49% are buying fewer items.

Many respondents in the CNBC poll disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of the economy. Concretely, 60% gave that answer, compared to 38% who approve. The outlet noted that it is worst mark he has got in the matter in his political career.