Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Dec 15: A faded newspaper clipping tucked inside David Teeling’s wallet captures a surreal campaign moment from 2024 — Donald Trump working the drive-thru at a suburban Philadelphia McDonald’s, scooping French fries to project himself as a leader in touch with everyday Americans. Nearly a year later, as the United States heads towards crucial midterm elections, that symbolism is being tested by voter anxiety over the cost of living.
Polling suggests growing unease among Americans, with many tightening their budgets amid persistent price pressures. An NBC News Decision Desk survey found that 53 per cent of adults have changed grocery-buying habits to stay within budget, while 55 per cent have cut back on entertainment and non-essentials. While egg prices have dropped since Trump was sworn in, costs of beef, bread, chicken and orange juice have risen, underscoring mixed signals on inflation.
Overall approval of Trump’s handling of the economy stands at just 31 per cent, according to an AP-NORC poll — the lowest of his presidency. Though the White House continues to highlight falling fuel prices, a strong stock market and rising foreign investment, affordability remains a key concern for voters, including within Trump’s own Republican Party.
Trump has repeatedly blamed lingering inflation on his predecessor Joe Biden, dismissing affordability concerns as a Democratic “hoax”. However, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently warned that Trump’s tariffs are contributing to higher inflation than would otherwise be the case. Inflation, after dipping earlier this year, rose again to 3 per cent in September.
Political strategists say Trump now faces the challenge of balancing reassurance with empathy — acknowledging voter struggles while convincing them that relief is on the way. Even Republican pollsters caution that focusing too much on attacking opponents risks alienating voters who are primarily concerned about household expenses.
At the very McDonald’s where Trump once donned an apron, regulars remain divided. Some express faith that his business instincts will eventually turn things around, while others say they have already cut back on essentials like beef and are sceptical prices will meaningfully fall.
As Trump prepares to campaign aggressively ahead of the 2026 midterms, the economy and cost of living are set to dominate the political conversation — testing whether the drive-thru symbolism of 2024 can still resonate with voters feeling the pinch in their daily lives.