A recent Harris poll conducted for the Guardian indicates that a majority of individuals identifying with the MAGA coalition are experiencing financial difficulties. Approximately 63% of these respondents reported trouble paying for gas, and 61% stated they had difficulty affording groceries.

Healthcare costs presented an issue for 57% of MAGA coalition members surveyed, while 58% struggled with utility bills. Around 56% of respondents reported similar problems meeting housing payments, and 56% also expressed concern about meeting debt payments or anticipated future struggles. The poll found that 62% of rank-and-file Republicans identify as MAGA, an increase from 38% in September 2022.

Regarding economic perceptions, 38% of Republicans believe the economy is worsening, an increase from 33% in April 2024. Conversely, 27% of Republicans think the economy is improving, a decrease from 31% recorded a year ago. Among independent voters, 44% perceive their financial security as deteriorating.

Rural Americans, who voted for Donald Trump by a 40-percentage-point margin in November 2024, also reported financial concerns. The Harris poll found that 49% of rural Americans believe their personal financial security is declining. This figure is up from 42% in a Harris poll taken in April 2024. For Americans with less than a four-year college degree, 45% reported a worsening financial situation in the latest poll, compared to 42% in April 2025.

When asked about the causes of rising prices, 54% of MAGA faithful attribute responsibility to the government. Thirty-one percent of MAGA faithful believe foreigners bear the cost of Trump's tariffs, while 41% believe American consumers shoulder most of these costs, aligning with economists' observations. Despite these financial strains, 57% of MAGA Republicans trust that the government prioritizes the affordability crisis, and 69% believe the government can resolve it. However, just over a third of MAGA faithful think the government has exacerbated the affordability situation.

Among Americans who feel stressed by the affordability crisis, 26% think Democrats can fix it, and 25% think Republicans can fix it. A total of 36% of these stressed Americans believe neither political party is capable of addressing the issue.

Why It Matters

The findings of the Harris poll indicate financial challenges among supporters of the MAGA coalition, rural Americans, and those with less than a four-year college degree. These economic concerns exist alongside continued political support for Donald Trump, suggesting that financial hardship in these demographics does not necessarily translate into diminished political loyalty. The data also outlines differing perceptions on the causes of economic struggles and the government's role in addressing them, providing insight into the motivations and beliefs of these voter segments.