The disappointing results from the recent local elections can be traced to one overriding perception among voters — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.
Many believe that while President Trump has achieved remarkable success on the international stage, those victories have not translated into tangible improvements in their daily economic lives.
In a national survey I conducted between Oct. 21 and. 27, 2025, only 28.6% of 1,000 likely general election voters said they and their families have “been helped by President Trump’s economic policies.”
In contrast, a majority — 50.1% — said they have “been hurt.”
When asked about inflation, the results were equally troubling.
Just 16.7% of voters said prices have gone down under Trump, while 59.5% said inflation has increased and 19.1% said it has remained the same.
Forget the government statistics — perception is political reality. And the public believes inflation has gotten worse.
The contrast between Trump’s extraordinary foreign policy triumphs and the lack of visible economic relief at home could become a serious liability for the administration heading into the midterms.
The danger mirrors the challenge that doomed George H.W. Bush in 1992.
Voters then saw Bush’s focus on foreign policy — and his Gulf War victory — as evidence that he was more interested in global prestige (and perhaps a Nobel Prize) than in helping Americans put food on their tables.
Trump risks facing a similar perception if he cannot demonstrate that his global achievements benefit ordinary families in concrete ways.
There is, however, a clear and popular solution.
We asked voters how they would respond if President Trump used tariff revenues from his trade deals to give each American family $2,000 in cash.
The results were striking: 67.4% supported the idea, compared to just 22.7% opposed. Even more notably, 41.2% said they strongly support the proposal.
This isn’t about “handouts.”
It’s about delivering a dividend — a direct return on Trump’s international negotiations and economic policies.
In effect, it would show that Trump is “bringing home the bacon” — ensuring Americans personally benefit from the deals and tariffs that strengthen the nation abroad.
Voters are tired of seeing triumphs overseas while struggling with grocery bills, rent, and gas prices at home. They want to feel the impact of Trump’s leadership in their wallets, not just see it in headlines.
If Trump can translate his global victories into domestic prosperity, he will not only silence critics but also reaffirm the core promise of his presidency — putting America First.
Dick Morris is a political strategist and author who has advised several U.S. presidents, governors, and mayors over a 40-year career. Read Dick Morris’ Reports — here.
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