Poll Shreds Trump’s “Con Job” Narrative as Cost of Living Skyrockets
A new round of national polling shows Americans are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living—directly contradicting Donald Trump’s claim that the affordability debate is a political “con job.”
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During a CNN segment Thursday, Senior Data Analyst Harry Enten highlighted a Marquette University Law School poll showing 36% of Americans rank cost of living as their top issue, outpacing concerns about the broader economy (20%) and health care or Social Security (17%).
Enten also pointed to Google Trends data revealing that searches for “affordability” are at their highest levels since the Great Recession, a signal that economic anxiety is widespread and growing.
Another data point paints an even sharper picture: only 36% of Americans say they are satisfied with access to affordable housing, down dramatically from 69% in 2014. The collapse in housing satisfaction comes as rents, mortgage rates, and home prices continue to squeeze households nationwide.
The data stands in stark contrast to Trump’s recent comments dismissing affordability concerns as manufactured. Polling suggests voters across demographics don’t see it that way—and that economic strain remains a defining issue heading into 2026.