By Brett Wilkins : commondreams – excerpt

“There is no mystery as to why Americans are angry about Republicans’ handling of the economy,” said one economic justice campaigner.

Multiple public opinion surveys published in recent days reveal widespread voter disenchantment with U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic stewardship amid ever-rising consumer prices, the specter of a recession sparked by what many see as a deliberate attempt to crash the economy for the benefit of the ultrawealthy, and overall policies that favor oligarchs and corporations over everyday Americans.

An NBCpoll published Sunday found that while Trump’s overall approval rating of 47% is his highest ever recorded, most respondents—51%—disapproved of how he’s started his second term. And while more Americans believe the country is on the right track than at any time since 2004, they are still in the minority, at 44%. A majority of respondents (54%) said the nation is generally heading in the wrong direction.

The poll also found that 44% of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, while 54% disapprove. Regarding inflation—a key Trump campaign issue—just 42% of respondents said they approve of the president’s leadership, versus 55% who disapprove.

Meanwhile, the latest data from the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Survey showed a 22% plunge since last December amid heightened inflation expectations, while a poll published last week by Groundwork Collaborative and Data for Progress found that respondents are most frustrated by grocery price increases, healthcare costs, and housing prices.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Food Price Outlook, overall food prices are projected to rise 3.4% in 2025, with the cost of some staples expected to soar much higher. For example, eggs prices are projected to skyrocket by a staggering 41%—and possibly as much as nearly 75%… (more)