Despite low unemployment, inflation remains high, growth lags, and Trump's policies face backlash amid eroding public trust.

Despite some growth and low unemployment, the economy's performance a year into President Trump's second term falls short of campaign promises. Food inflation has increased to 3.1%, inflation has only marginally decreased to 2.7%, and average tariffs of 17% have caused supply chain disruptions and cost increases. Unemployment increased to 4.6%, manufacturing job growth stalled, and large automakers wrote down billions of dollars in EV investments. Aggressive immigration enforcement has been criticized, and clean energy projects have stalled. Trump advocates for lower rates and tries to sway the Federal Reserve, which has lowered rates three times to 3.72%. Growing skepticism is reflected in public opinion, with 76% reporting that incomes aren't keeping up with prices and 74% believing Trump isn't paying enough attention to inflation.