Overview

• Democrats’ historical edge as the party of the middle class has shrunk from a 23-point lead in 1989 to a tie in recent CNN/SSRS polling.
• A May CNN/SSRS survey shows Republicans ahead by seven points on which party aligns with voters’ economic views.
• Markets stabilized after “Liberation Day” tariffs with inflation slowing to 2.3 percent in April and consumer confidence jumping to 98 in May.
• A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds the GOP’s perceived economic plan advantage growing from +9 in May 2024 to +12 points in May 2025.
• Despite stronger economic indicators, President Trump remains underwater on voter trust for managing the economy and curbing inflation.