CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten warned that Donald Trump must tackle inflation to maintain his current popularity. Without action, inflation could become a major threat to his presidency.
“Let me be clear, inflation crushed the Joe Biden presidency. It ate it alive,” Enten said. “If Donald Trump is not careful, inflation will crush his presidency and eat it alive.”
According to a recent Ipsos Knowledge poll, 34% of Americans want Trump to focus on inflation during his first 100 days. Meanwhile, 31% prioritized immigration, and 21% said the overall economy should be his main focus.
Inflation was a constant burden on Biden’s presidency, eventually helping Trump defeat Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Prices skyrocketed more than 20% under Biden, with inflation peaking at 9% in 2022.
Many experts blamed Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and the $750 billion Inflation Reduction Act for the surge in prices. By mid-2023, inflation had finally dropped below 3%, but the damage was done.
During the 2024 campaign, polls consistently showed Trump leading Biden and Harris on handling inflation and the economy. These key issues helped Trump connect with blue-collar workers and Latino men.
A CBS News/YouGov poll found 66% of voters want Trump to focus on inflation. Only 27% of Americans rate the economy as “excellent or good,” according to Marquette Law’s exit polls.
“So no, Donald Trump is not a magician,” Enten said. “No president is a magician when it comes to the economy, but if this number does not go up, Donald Trump’s approval ratings will go down.”
Enten also cited a recent poll showing 53% of voters approve of Trump’s leadership so far, with 70% saying he is keeping his campaign promises.