Prices are so high I'm rationing food. I don't think Trump cares about us. | Your Turn
What are prices like in your area? Are you nervously checking your 401(k) or keeping calm and giving Trump time? Here's what readers told us.
It's the economy, stupid.
That certainly seemed to be the driving issue for voters in 2024, as President Donald Trump and Republicans campaigned heavily against a background of inflation under President Joe Biden. Voters wanted a fix – and Trump promised one.
The president is two months into his first term, and already his policies and messaging are having an immediate economic impact – though perhaps not the one voters expected.
Inflation has begun to ease, but consumer confidence has fallen as conversations about an impending recession rise. It's a possibility even Trump has acknowledged. The president's will-he-or-won't-he tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China have sent the markets yo-yoing. And the price of eggs appears to be dropping, thought it may be a while before you pay less at your grocery store.
That's what we wanted to know: How are Trump's economic policies impacting you? What are you seeing in your area? Are you nervously checking your 401(k) or keeping calm and giving him time? Hundreds of people from across the country wrote in. Here's what they said.
I'm very concerned about the economy. And potential tax cuts for the wealthy – who don't need them.
Grocery prices in my area feel too high and keep getting higher. The cost of eggs continues to rise dramatically, and tariffs will cause manufacturers to pass the increased cost on to us. I don’t see how any of President Donald Trump’s plans will ease inflation.
I’m very concerned about the economy. My budget was tight before this, but it’s even tighter now. I’m very concerned about proposed tax cuts for the wealthy – who do not need them – and potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, free school lunches, Medicaid, etc. and how they will affect people who absolutely do need them.
These broad sweep firings enacted by Trump are rapid and without reason. I fear we will not have resources to process taxes, help our veterans, assist our poor and disabled citizens, and maintain whatever educational rigor we have left. I’m also extremely concerned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) might have our very personal data, like Social Security numbers and bank information. How would they protect this on their own servers? And how is Trump cutting waste yet spending what's up to millions of tax dollars to go to the Super Bowl?
— Jennifer Miller, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Economy is far better with Trump than Biden
In my area, some grocery prices still feel high while others have leveled out. Prices are starting to lower, with the exception of eggs. Meat prices have lowered at my local Kroger along with other food products.
In terms of the economy, as of Feb. 26, gas had gone down in my area of Kentucky near Louisville about 30 cents a gallon. Which is great. It was hovering around $2.55 to $2.49. Things are seeming to get better but at a slower pace. But that was a little over a month since Trump took office. We will see as the summer comes around.
As for Trump's handling of the economy, so far it's better than the last guy. I think the president is focusing on the economy the right amount.
— Allen Maricle, Shepherdsville, Kentucky
I voted for Trump, but his government cuts are too much
Grocery prices feel too high in my area, but they are similar to previous months. I think they will continue to rise.
In general it looks like we are headed for a major depression. I think Trump's move to cut the budget by cutting government staff is going way too far. It's time to shut the country completely down! ALL UNIONS should go on strike in solidarity with the government employees unions. And I voted for Trump.
We need to stop sending all this money overseas and concentrate on the needs of our lower class.
— David Tahash, Dade City, Florida
I am OK with prices rising while tariffs are worked out
Grocery prices feel too high in my area, but they are similar to previous months. Prices may rise while the tariffs are worked out. I am OK with that in the short run. Hopefully, within three to six months the tariffs will have done their job for all sides involved (U.S. and Canada, U.S and Mexico as well as U.S. and China).
I think we have to be patient. This economic mess didn't start with Trump – it started under the Biden administration. Trump's policies will take several months before they offer relief.
So far, I am OK with Trump's handling of the economy. He and his staff have not had enough time to make a difference. This economic mess didn't happen overnight, and it cannot be fixed overnight. I am willing to give this administration time to address the issues.
I like how they have handled the border, and I like DOGE digging into fraud, waste and abuse, and I support other actions this administration has implemented (or tried to implement).
Americans seem to be like spoiled children and don't have patience to work with government leaders on solutions. I think the president is focusing the right amount on the economy.
— Brenda Wilson, Bluffton, South Carolina
Trump's policies show he doesn't care about vulnerable people
Where I live grocery prices feel too high, and they keep getting higher. I think they will continue to rise due to tariffs. If there are cuts to Medicaid, the inflation may get worse. Rural hospitals will close, and uninsured Americans will purchase less. The loss of migrant workers could be another contributing factor.
I am feeling very pessimistic about the economy. My small investments have been affected. I am rationing food. I don't go out as much. I rent from a relative, but if my living situation changes I won't be able to afford a place if rents continue to rise. I don't know where I would go. I am on the spectrum and would not do well living in an apartment with other people.
In terms of Trump handling the economy, inflation is worse, the market has been down, businesses are worried about tariffs, and low income folks are worried about being able to afford groceries and medications. A friend of mine who was in the hospital for a month is at risk of becoming homeless. I don't think Trump cares about the most vulnerable people.
I would like Trump to focus on inflation, homelessness, health care and education. He also needs to represent all Americans. I feel like we're on the verge of a civil war.
Furthermore, I would like for him to work on improving America's relationship with other countries. I want the U.S. to be respected.
— Marie Griffin, Spartanburg, South Carolina