Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell had one last chance to right the ship of America’s economy. Instead, with his latest meager quarter-point interest rate cut, he has proven once again why voters are demanding new leadership at the Fed.
Despite persistent calls for action, Powell has remained slow to respond to the economic pain Americans feel daily.
Mortgage rates, car loans, and credit card interest remain sky-high, strangling middle-class families and small businesses.
Our latest national survey shows just how fed up voters are: only 33% view Powell favorably, while 27% view him unfavorably.
Even more striking, 59% of likely voters support replacing Powell with someone who will aggressively lower interest rates — just 24% oppose doing so.
The message is unmistakable: after four years of “Bidenflation” and Powell’s policy missteps, voters are demanding affordability, growth, and relief from suffocating costs.
Inflation Is the No. 1 Issue — Across Party Lines
Our new poll of 1,000 likely 2026 voters, conducted Oct. 21–27, underscores the defining issue of the upcoming midterms: the economy.
- 43% of voters say economic issues are their top concern — far more than any other category.
- Within that, reducing inflation and the cost of living leads as the single most important issue at 21% — no other issue even comes close.
Americans are watching their paychecks shrink while prices soar.
Only 40% believe the country is heading in the right direction, while 55% say we’re on the wrong track.
Confidence in the economy has slipped sharply — in August, 41%said things were getting better; now only 36% say that, while 58% say worse.
Even optimism about being out of recession has dropped, from 58% to 53%.
Trump Economy Still Resonates
Americans remember what a pro-growth economy looked like — and they associate it with President Trump’s leadership.
Nearly 47% of voters now support Trump’s tax cuts, the highest share ever, compared to 42% who oppose.
Voters are also shifting in how they perceive Trump’s economic legacy — 42% now recognize that his “Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) was primarily a tax cut that fueled growth, not just another spending measure.
President Trump’s base remains solid, with 51% approving of the job he’s doing versus 46% disapproving.
Meanwhile, Republicans hold a narrow 46%–44% edge in the congressional generic ballot — but there’s room to grow.
A striking 65% of voters agree with the statement:
“While I may not agree with everything that Donald Trump and the MAGA movement says and stands for, I think they are right about putting America and the American people first.”
That’s a powerful message — and one that transcends partisan politics.
The Political Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
High interest rates are now the single biggest threat to Republican majorities in Congress.
The economy needs breathing room to grow out of the inflationary spiral Biden and Powell have created.
The Trump tax cuts built the foundation for a strong, low-inflation economy — but Powell’s stubbornness risks undoing those gains.
Americans know it. They feel it every time they buy groceries, pay their mortgage, or fill up their tank.
They’re tired of Washington economists talking theory while they live the reality.
With his term ending in May, Jerome Powell’s days may be numbered — not by markets, but by the people.
Our polling is clear: voters want new leadership that prioritizes growth, affordability, and the American worker.
The road to recovery starts with bold pro-growth policies and the courage to act — something Chairman Powell has failed to show.
If the Federal Reserve won’t listen to the people, then the people will make their voices heard in the midterms.
Chairman Powell — you’re fired.
John McLaughlin has worked professionally as a strategic consultant and pollster for over 40 years. Jim McLaughlin is a nationally recognized public opinion expert, strategic consultant and political strategist who has helped to elect a U.S. president, prime ministers, a Senate majority leader, and a speaker of the House. Read John and Jim McLaughlin’s Reports — More Here.
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