New Trump Economy Poll 2026: Majority of Americans Say Economy Worse Than Under Biden

A majority of Americans believe the U.S. economy has deteriorated under President Donald Trump, according to a new national poll that signals growing economic anxiety ahead of key political battles leading to the primaries and midterm elections in November.

The Harvard CAPS/Harris survey found that 53 percent of respondents say the economy is worse now than it was during the administration of former President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, 47 percent said they believe conditions have improved.

The same poll shows a clear shift in responsibility.

Sixty-two percent of Americans blame Trump for the current state of the economy, compared to 38 percent who place responsibility on the Biden administration.

The findings underscore how economic perceptions are evolving in real time, particularly as voters continue to rank the economy as their top issue. A Gallup poll conducted in late 2024 previously identified economic concerns as the most important factor for voters heading into elections.

The Harvard CAPS/Harris poll also revealed declining approval ratings for Trump's handling of the economy. His economic approval dropped to 40 percent in March 2026, down from 49 percent in February 2025 and marking a five-point decline compared to the previous month.

More broadly, only 32 percent of respondents believe the economy is on the right track, a six-point drop from February. At the same time, 59 percent say the economy is shrinking, while 41 percent believe it is growing.

Separate polling from Reuters and Ipsos paints an even more concerning picture for the administration. In that survey, just 29 percent of Americans approved of Trump's economic performance, the lowest rating recorded across either of his presidential terms.

Economic concerns appear to be tied to several overlapping factors, including rising gas prices and geopolitical tensions. According to recent data, the national average price of gasoline reached $4 per gallon for the first time in three years, a milestone that analysts say is influencing public perception.

Political analyst Nate Silver noted that Trump's overall approval rating has declined by about five points in recent weeks, with energy costs playing a significant role in that shift.

The economic outlook is also being shaped by global instability, marked by the Iran war. Experts and financial institutions have warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could increase the likelihood of a U.S. recession, further fueling uncertainty among voters.

Despite the polling trends, the White House has maintained that the current challenges are temporary. Officials point to what they describe as short-term disruptions linked to broader policy goals.

"President Trump has always been clear about short-term disruptions," White House spokesman Kush Desai said, adding that the administration remains focused on tax cuts, deregulation, and expanding energy production.

Trump himself has also addressed concerns, stating that economic conditions, including oil prices and inflation, are expected to improve once current geopolitical tensions subside.

Still, the data suggests that public sentiment may be shifting faster than policy outcomes can materialize. Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, said the decline in support appears linked to both the international conflict and domestic economic pressures, particularly rising fuel costs.

The poll surveyed 2,009 registered voters between March 25 and March 26, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.99 percentage points.