U.S. Economic Ratings Slid in May

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June 2, 2026

Welcome to Front Page, Gallup's indispensable intelligence distilled into five charts that give leaders the insights they need to make their most important decisions.

1. U.S. Economic Ratings Slid in May

Line Chart: Americans' recent ratings of current economic conditions.

The Data: Sixteen percent of Americans rate current economic conditions in the country as “excellent” or “good,” while 49% consider them “poor.”

The Trend: The economy's “excellent/good” rating is at its lowest point since April 2023, while its “poor” rating has risen significantly from 37% at the start of 2026.

Line Chart: Americans' recent ratings of economic outlook.

The Data: Twenty percent of U.S. adults say economic conditions in the country as a whole are getting better, while 76% say they are getting worse.

The Trend: The percentage saying economic conditions are getting better has dropped 13 percentage points since January. Meanwhile, the percentage saying conditions are getting worse has increased steadily in 2026 and now matches the recent high of 76% from May 2023.

Line Chart: Recent trend in Gallup's Economic Confidence Index, by party.

The Data: Republicans' Economic Confidence Index score fell to +22 in May, while independents' score dropped to -58 and Democrats' to -80.

Party Differences: All three party groups are now at their lowest index readings in President Donald Trump's second term. Since February, confidence has declined by 33 points among Republicans, 29 points among independents and 13 points among Democrats.

Line Chart: Recent trend in top mentions of most important U.S. problem.

The Data: In May, 15% of Americans named the high cost of living or inflation as the most important problem facing the country, up from 8% in February.

More Context: The government remains the top-named problem, at 26%. Mentions of immigration have fallen to 8%, while mentions of the economy in general remain at 13%.

Line Chart: Americans' satisfaction with the way things are going in the U.S.

The Data: Twenty-one percent of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S.

The Trend: Satisfaction remains well below the higher readings recorded in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when it often exceeded 50%.

All Trends

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1. U.S. Economic Ratings Slid in May

2. Americans Souring Further on the Economy

3. Economic Confidence Falls Across Parties

4. Inflation Moves Up the Problem List

5. U.S. Satisfaction Remains Low