Key Highlights
- Voters view the economy negatively, with 76% having a negative outlook.
- About twice as many voters blame President Donald Trump for the current economic situation compared to Joe Biden.
- Trump’s approval ratings on handling the economy have hit new lows among his core supporters.
- Voters believe Republicans have better plans for border security and crime, while Democrats are seen as better at addressing healthcare affordability.
The Economy: A Persistent Issue for Voters
According to a recent Fox News poll conducted from November 14-17, 2025, the economy remains a significant concern for American voters. An overwhelming 76% of respondents view the current economic situation negatively, marking a slight increase from previous surveys where this figure stood at 70% and 67%, respectively, during former President Biden’s term and July 2025.
The poll reveals that large numbers across all political affiliations are experiencing rising costs for essential goods. Majorities reported increased expenses on groceries, utilities, healthcare, housing, and gasoline. Notably, a staggering 85% of voters said their grocery prices went up this year, with 60% reporting significant increases.
Blame Game: Trump vs. Biden
The poll indicates that President Donald Trump is seen as more responsible for the current economic situation than Joe Biden by a margin of 62% to 32%. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Republicans, where 42% blame Trump while a majority (53%) holds Biden accountable. Democrats are divided on this issue, with 62% blaming Trump and 29% attributing the economic challenges to Biden.
These findings contrast sharply with the end of former President Biden’s term when voters were far more likely to attribute economic harm to his policies (73%). The current survey shows almost identical results, with 71% saying Trump’s policies have hurt them and only 29% believing that Biden’s policies have had a negative impact.
Partisan Divide on Economic Policies
The poll further highlights the deep divide between political parties regarding economic policies. For instance, majorities of Republicans believe their party has better plans for securing the border, dealing with illegal immigration, and reducing crime. In contrast, Democrats are perceived as superior in addressing healthcare affordability, wage increases, climate change, and making things more affordable overall.
However, on issues like job creation, both parties are seen as equally capable by voters.
The economic policies of President Trump have also drawn criticism, with his approval ratings on the economy hitting a new low among core supporters. Only 38% approve of how he is handling the economy, down from 46% in October 2017 and 53% two months ago.
Government Shutdown Fallout
The government shutdown that occurred during this period significantly impacted voter sentiment towards lawmakers and political parties. The shutdown was cited as a reason for moderate to severe hardship by over half of the respondents (54%). Disapproval ratings for Trump, congressional Republicans, and congressional Democrats all increased following the shutdown, with 63% disapproving of how congressional Republicans handled it.
Chuck Schumer’s ratings took the largest hit, dropping from a favorable rating of 54% to an unfavorable one of 22%, resulting in a net rating of minus-32 points.
This decline was even more pronounced among Democrats, where his positive rating fell from 51% to 38%.
The article concludes by noting that while many voters feel the government is failing to meet their needs and blame political leaders for their struggles, there remains a significant divide between how different parties are viewed on various issues. As politics continues to evolve, these opinions will likely shape future policy debates and election outcomes.
