President Donald Trump ran on the promises that he would strengthen the U.S. economy, add jobs, boost paychecks and put an end to inflation. And while we’re only roughly three months into his presidency, many Americans are feeling less than confident that he will be able to deliver on these promises.
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According to a Clever Real Estate survey, only 1 in 4 Americans (26%) feel better off economically now than they were in September 2024, and just one-third (34%) expect to be better off six months from now.
Here’s a closer look at how Americans are really feeling about their finances in a Trump economy.
While Trump is promising an economic boom, many Americans fear a recession is on the horizon. According to the survey, the 2025 economic climate has worried Americans enough that a majority (58%) have reduced spending on nonessential items in anticipation of what’s ahead. In addition, roughly 1 in 3 Americans (31%) are saving more because of concerns about the economy.
“If consumer spending drops because people are worried about a recession, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,” said Nick Pisano, data writer for Clever Real Estate. “That would be a particularly troubling outcome, considering how the U.S. economy has done relatively well compared to many others post-COVID.”
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The survey found that nearly three-quarters of Americans (70%) are concerned about a potential housing market crash in 2025. This is being reflected in their behaviors as well.
“Nearly 1 out of every 4 respondents (22%) who were planning to buy a home this year now say they’re putting off those plans because of economic concerns, and more than 1 in 8 (13%) of those who had considered selling a home in 2025 are now delaying,” Pisano said.
“It’s understandable that 70% are concerned about a 2025 housing market crash, with the memory of the mid-2000s housing bubble and Great Recession not that far removed, even if homeowners are generally in a much stronger position today in terms of equity and mortgage rates than in 2008.”
The cost of living and high inflation were major issues during the presidential election, but Americans aren’t feeling optimistic that the problem will be solved by the new administration. The survey found that nearly 2 in 3 Americans (63%) don’t believe the U.S. government is doing the right things to address economic concerns, and almost three-quarters (74%) believe inflation will worsen next year.
