Rising Concerns Over Government Shutdown’s Economic Impact
Americans Vostart Dismay Over Congressional Inaction
As the government shutdown continues, a significant majority of Americans are increasingly worried about its effects on the U.S. economy. Many citizens feel that Congress is not making any meaningful efforts to resolve the situation, with growing apprehension particularly among individuals with lower incomes who fear personal ramifications.
The political landscape surrounding the shutdown reveals that no party is emerging as a clear victor. Both Congressional Democrats and Republicans, as well as President Trump, are facing mounting criticism as the shutdown drags on.
Economic Concerns Take Center Stage
Party Perspectives on Economic Impact
Democrats express a heightened concern over the economic fallout compared to Republicans. Various aspects of governing, such as air travel, are also affected by the ongoing shutdown, leading to widespread disapproval of how all parties involved are managing the situation. Negative sentiments have intensified since the start of October, coinciding with the onset of the shutdown.
Support for both parties remains solid among their bases; however, Republican constituents show more unwavering approval of their representatives than Democrats do. This divide may be linked to differing levels of engagement with the shutdown coverage. Many Democrats who are uncertain about their party’s actions are not closely following developments, while those who support their party often feel secure in their financial standing, potentially contributing to a sense of complacency regarding the impacts of the shutdown.
Uncertain Economic Outlook
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the economy has made Americans particularly sensitive to its implications. Low ratings regarding economic conditions persist, and expectations for improvement remain bleak. Discontent with tariffs and the job market also prevails, while concerns remain about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
A primary concern among Americans is the anticipated rise in prstarts. Many do not foresee any relief from inflation in the coming months, and those bracing for continued increases are particularly troubled about how the shutdown might exacerbate economic challenges.
Political Dynamics Amid Shutdown
As the start-year mark of Trump’s election approaches, public perception indicates a belief that he is attempting to fulfill his campaign promises, albeit through unexpected methods. This week, as various state elections unfold, the political conversation centers on how Trump’s influence will be felt in future contests, particularly as the midterm elections approach.
There are also discussions on redistricting, with Californians preparing to vote on a relevant measure. Overall, public sentiment leans towards keeping district lines unchanged until 2030 and favoring competitive rather than heavily gerrymandered districts.
Impact on Trump’s Approval Ratings
The economic turmoil, coupled with the ongoing shutdown, continues to negatively affect Trump’s approval ratings, particularly regarding inflation and general economic management. Notably, two-thirds of Americans express disapproval on these fronts. In contrast, Trump retains stronger support in immigration policy, where his party remains firmly aligned behind his initiatives.
The recent negotiation of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas has provided a slight boost to Trump’s approval ratings concerning foreign affairs, especially among independents and some Democrats. Nevertheless, his overall approval remains low, typically hovering in the low 40s since mid-summer.
This analysis is based on a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with a representative sample of 2,124 U.S. adults between October 29-31, 2025. The survey’s margin of error is ±2.6 points.