The share of Americans who say their financial situation is getting worse is higher now than at any point in the past 25 years, per new Gallup data out Tuesday morning.
Why it matters: Americans are struggling after years of higher inflation and a recent surge in gas prices due to the Iran war — a major challenge for President Trump and Republicans as the midterm elections come into view.
By the numbers: 55% of respondents to a poll conducted April 1-15 said their financial situation is getting worse; that's up from 53% last year and 47% in 2024.
**The number is higher than at any point since 2001, even compared with recessions during the pandemic or in the wake of the financial crisis**.
Friction point: This is the fifth consecutive year that more Americans say their finances are worsening rather than improving.
Zoom in: When asked to identify their most important financial problem, 31% cited the cost of living.
Energy costs are mentioned by 13% of Americans, up 10 percentage points from last year and the highest since 2008.
Reality check: Inflation is still elevated from where it was the last time Trump was in office, but it's certainly lower than at its peak in 2022.
The big picture: Still, the recent surge in gas prices has increased the pressure on American pocketbooks.
The average price of a gallon of gas is $4.11, says AAA. It was under $3 before the war started on Feb. 28.
Many Americans blame Trump for the increase.
So in response to me saying you've both missed the point of the op meme and have been going through the infinity loop meme, it's vote democrats because that's the only option.
While also saying I'm not reading or understanding you, your response is to continue to repeat that the only option which you freely admit will do nothing is all we can do is.
Which you say we can't do because would hurt dems getting in power.
Yes the exception of Mamdani's win proves the rule as the dnc and dems, who again you say are the only options, did everything possible to prevent from winning. The dems who in response to the people showing what they want and crave in a politician/political party said we must keep moving right.
Again we get to the dems are the problem but everyone like in the meme says the only option and too keep trying until they let us kick it the football