Consumer Confidence Declines as Trump Marks 100 Days in Office

As President Donald Trump marks 100 days into his second term, recent surveys indicate growing public dissatisfaction with his economic policies, with multiple polls showing a majority of Americans disapproving of his handling of the economy. While job growth and inflation data remain relatively positive, consumer confidence has declined sharply, reflecting deep pessimism about future business conditions, employment prospects, and personal income. Economists and business leaders warn that Trump's sweeping tariffs, announced in April, are fueling concerns about rising prices and the possibility of a recession, a sentiment echoed by both consumers and market volatility. In North Carolina, cuts to federal funding have already led to layoffs in research institutions and fears of a deeper regional recession. Despite Trump's optimistic rhetoric about economic performance, experts note that "soft" data—such as expectations and sentiment—have deteriorated, even as "hard" indicators like job numbers have yet to follow suit. The overall mood is one of uncertainty, with Americans wary of the potential negative impacts of current economic policies and federal funding reductions.