Economic Confidence Is Plummeting

[applegrove]

Economic Confidence Is Plummeting

May 22, 2026 at 8:25 am EDT By Taegan Goddard 83 Comments

https://politicalwire.com/2026/05/22/economic-confidence-is-plummeting/

Washington Post: “Americans’ confidence in the economy has hit a nearly four-year low, according to a new poll, underscoring a growing problem for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections as President Donald Trump struggles to deliver on his campaign pledge to make life more affordable.”

“Just 16 percent of U.S. adults rate the economy ‘excellent’ or ‘good,’ according to the Gallup poll, which was released Friday. An additional 34 percent rate the economy as ‘only fair,’ while 49 percent say it is ‘poor.'”

“Economic confidence has declined steadily in recent months among Americans across the political spectrum, as the war in Iran drives a sharp increase in inflation and gas prices. Three out of four Americans say economic conditions are getting worse.”

[dalton99a]

1. The Trump stagflation is setting in.

[Lovie777]

2. Duh......

went to the grocery store this morning because I would like ribs for Memorial Day, so much fat on them plus the cost was outrageous.

Ugh.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. It was a morgue in the stores I went to today

Shelf stock is thin, any semblance of quality at sane prices is long gone. I had to buy something at Home Depot because only they have the item. Haven't been there in awhile, it's like the place is on lock-down. Iron screens locked over about 1/2 the merchandise, including large items like lawnmowers. I guess it's a defense against smash and grab and sprint shoppers.

Employee who helped me must have been 82 or older. Hunched over, shuffling around, in jeans. She sure knew how to use the computer to locate item. But can't help thinking she's there because she needs the paycheck.

Beware discount stickers. They often ring at the full price. Caught Walmart at it again.

Lots of pleasant people staffing stores. Don't know if it's summer grin, or they're told to chat up the customers.

Gas $4.35. Many stations were 35 cents higher. I'd bet going forward will be over $5 like forever.

[Johonny]

4. People are blind to open corruption

When the rules breakdown, chaos follows. Trump has so openly corrupt, its getting scary. Meanwhile, the economy as a whole is bland, at best. But the underlying economy is built on a house of corruption. That house cannot stand long.