Listen to the article
Economic growth is building under the Trump administration, but many Americans remain skeptical about feeling those benefits in their daily lives, according to economist Stephen Moore, who advised the former president during his first term.
“There’s a perception and there’s reality,” Moore told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “The reality is what the numbers show — that median family income is up by about $1,200 this year, adjusted for inflation. We’re seeing real increases in wealth.”
Moore, co-founder of the free-market advocacy organization Unleash Prosperity, pointed to promising economic indicators, including the 4.3% growth rate recently reported. He noted that approximately 160 million Americans who have retirement savings invested in stocks have seen their wealth increase during this period of market expansion.
Despite these positive signs, polling suggests many Americans still feel financial pressure. A Fox News national survey found that 76% of voters rate the economy negatively, up from 67% in July and 70% at the end of former President Joe Biden’s term. The poll also indicated that voters are more likely to blame Trump than Biden for current economic conditions, with three times as many saying Trump’s policies have hurt them personally.
This disconnect between economic data and public sentiment creates a significant political challenge for the administration. Moore acknowledged that despite overall economic improvement, many Americans remain focused on areas where they continue to feel financial strain.
“People tend to focus on the things that are rising in price, and I understand that,” Moore said. “But there are also areas where costs have fallen, including gasoline, airline tickets and some everyday items.”
The gap between economic indicators and public perception isn’t just about prices, Moore suggested, but also about messaging and empathy from leadership. “I think people want empathy from the president,” he explained. “People in the middle and working class want to know that this president understands the struggles of working 40 hours a week and still having a hard time meeting their bills.”
The situation has created an opening for Democratic messaging on affordability, which has resonated in recent state and local elections. In New York City, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani successfully campaigned on addressing the city’s affordability crisis, part of a broader trend of candidates focusing on economic struggles facing middle and working-class Americans.
To address this perception gap, Moore drew parallels to Ronald Reagan’s early presidency, which also followed a period of economic difficulties. “Trump should use an old line from Ronald Reagan, because Reagan’s first 18 months in office were very tough. We had a very bad economy as a residual effect from Jimmy Carter. And Reagan told the American people, stay the course, these policies are going to work and they’re going to make America better off.”
Moore expressed optimism that the economic momentum will continue to build. “In the last couple of months, the economy has really sped up,” he said. “At 4.3% growth, that’s a very high rate, and the recovery is well in progress. It’s been a very prosperous first year and I expect 2026 to bring very strong continued economic growth.”
The challenge for the Trump administration now appears to be whether it can translate improving macroeconomic indicators into tangible benefits that average Americans feel in their everyday lives—and whether it can effectively communicate those improvements to a skeptical public still recovering from years of inflation and economic uncertainty.
If Moore’s assessment proves accurate, the administration may have time on its side, with continued growth potentially improving sentiment as more Americans begin to feel economic benefits. However, polling suggests that winning back public confidence on economic management remains a significant hurdle for President Trump as he begins his second term.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
16 Comments
The 4.3% growth rate is certainly an encouraging sign, but the poll results suggest many Americans are still feeling the strain. I’m curious to learn more about what’s driving this disconnect and how it might impact the political landscape.
Voter skepticism is understandable, given the lived experiences of many households. Effective communication and policies that directly address people’s financial concerns will be crucial for bridging this gap.
The report highlights the challenge of translating macroeconomic growth into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives. Bridging this gap will require a multifaceted approach that considers the complex interplay of factors affecting household finances.
Exactly. Policymakers will need to look beyond top-line indicators and delve deeper into the lived experiences of diverse communities to develop more targeted and impactful economic strategies.
Interesting to see the disconnect between economic indicators and voter sentiment. While the numbers show growth, it doesn’t seem to be translating to people’s everyday experiences. I wonder what factors are contributing to this perception gap.
That’s a good point. Perceptions can often lag behind reality, especially when it comes to complex economic issues. It will be important for policymakers to understand and address these concerns.
It’s notable that voters are more likely to blame Trump than Biden for the current economic conditions. This reflects the ongoing partisan divides and the challenges of objectively assessing economic performance.
You’re right, partisan leanings can heavily influence economic perceptions. It will be important for policymakers and the public to strive for a more balanced, data-driven understanding of the economic landscape.
It’s intriguing to see how political affiliation can influence perceptions of economic performance, even in the face of objective data. This underscores the need for greater bipartisanship and a more nuanced understanding of economic realities.
You make a fair point. Overcoming partisan divides and finding common ground on economic issues will be crucial for developing effective policies that address the concerns of all Americans.
The contrast between the economic indicators and voter sentiment raises important questions about the distribution of wealth and the lived experiences of average Americans. Addressing these disparities should be a key priority.
Absolutely. Ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are felt more broadly across society will be essential for restoring public confidence and fostering a sense of shared prosperity.
It’s fascinating to see how political narratives can shape economic perceptions, even in the face of seemingly positive data. This highlights the need for objective, non-partisan analysis to inform public discourse.
Agreed. Cutting through the political noise and focusing on the underlying economic realities will be crucial for policymakers and the public to make informed decisions.
The increase in median family income is a positive sign, but the broader skepticism suggests that the benefits of economic growth may not be evenly distributed. I wonder what can be done to ensure more equitable prosperity.
That’s an excellent point. Addressing issues of income inequality and ensuring the economic gains are felt by a wider segment of the population could be key to bridging the perception gap.