Americans Face Economic Strain This Holiday Season Amid High Prices

Fri Dec 12 2025 18:43:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent AP-NORC poll shows that American shoppers are struggling with high prices this holiday season, with many resorting to savings and budget cuts. The sentiment mirrored similar economic concerns during the Biden presidency, indicating ongoing inflation issues under Trump.

As the holiday season approaches, a significant number of Americans are experiencing financial strain due to high prices on essentials like groceries and gifts, according to a recent AP-NORC poll. Nearly half of respondents report difficulties in affording holiday gifts, with many resorting to savings or delaying purchases. The economic outlook remains bleak, with the majority rating the economy as 'poor,' mirroring concerns from the Biden administration's inflation struggles. Despite polls indicating dissatisfaction, President Trump has maintained that the economy is robust, contrasting with public sentiment and facing challenges in restoring confidence ahead of midterm elections.

WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — This holiday season isn’t quite so merry for American shoppers as large shares are dipping into savings, scouring for bargains, and feeling that the overall economy is stuck in a rut under President Donald Trump, a new RTW-NORC poll finds.

The vast majority of U.S. adults say they’ve noticed higher than usual prices for groceries, electricity, and holiday gifts in recent months, according to the survey from RTWNews.

Roughly half of Americans indicate it’s harder than usual to afford the gifts they want to give this holiday season, with similar numbers delaying major purchases or cutting back on nonessential items.

The poll indicates a sobering assessment for the Republican president, who returned to the White House promising to lower prices but now faces the continued threat of inflation impacting his popularity, just as it did during Democrat Joe Biden’s presidency. Poll findings closely resemble an earlier survey from December 2022, underscoring persistent consumer frustrations over economic conditions.

Trump’s tariffs have further intensified inflation, causing anxiety about the economy's stability and keeping prices at frustrating levels for many Americans.

Despite claims of a booming economy, many shoppers express concerns over rising costs. The president recently voiced his frustration on social media, questioning when polls might reflect the nation's alleged economic 'greatness'.

Americans are feeling strained as they continue to see high prices

White House officials are planning a robust campaign to bolster public confidence in the economy before upcoming midterm elections. But recent speeches, such as Trump's remarks in Pennsylvania, included defenses of rising costs linked to tariffs, which starkly contrasted with public sentiment reflected in recent polls.

Many respondents reported using financial tools, such as 'buy now, pay later' options, to manage holiday gift expenses which could indicate a broader strain on household finances. Democrats appear more affected, yet a significant portion of Republicans also report budget adjustments to cope with high prices.

Views are largely similar to when Biden was president

Public sentiment regarding holiday shopping and overall economic conditions echoes feelings from Biden's presidency in 2022, amidst significant inflation spikes. Presently, even though consumer spending remains resilient, uncertainties linger about the economy moving forward, with many Americans expecting conditions to worsen in 2026.

The poll, conducted on a representative sample of 1,146 adults, highlights how prevalent the issues of high prices and economic instability remain, casting a discerning light on the administration's strategies to foster economic growth.