Americans’ optimism about the economy is at a near-record low
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US Consumer Sentiment Hits Near-Record Low
Above: People shop at a grocery store in Brooklyn, N.Y. on May 13, 2025. Image copyright: Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
It's no surprise that consumer sentiment remains low despite positive results from the Trump administration's policies, including the president's tariffs. The media caveats every bit of good news, including recent promising inflation numbers, with foreboding, convincing the public that another shoe is due to drop. But it's possible consumers won't wind up facing the effects of the tariffs while Trump negotiates better deals and manufacturing increases stateside.
Democratic narrative
Americans can see through all the rhetoric coming out of the Trump administration. The president's trade war has created an environment of uncertainty and instability while not being straightforward about who will be affected by the tariffs. Even potential pending deals aren't enough to calm consumer confidence and so, of course, Americans are going to be careful when it comes to spending.