What do Americans care most about in 2026?

According to Pew Research (April 2026), the top concerns among Americans are healthcare affordability (73% say 'very big problem'), inflation and cost of living (66%), housing costs (76% say major economic problem), drug addiction (55%), and immigration (38%). Among political independents, economic issues — especially tariff-driven price increases — are the dominant concern heading into the 2026 midterms.

How much do Americans disapprove of Trump's tariffs in 2026?

64% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs according to combined Ipsos/ABC/Washington Post polling. 60% say Trump has gone 'too far' on tariffs (AP-NORC). Consumer confidence has fallen to pandemic-era lows, and 76% of Americans say cost of living is their biggest economic concern (CNN/SSRS, May 2026).

What percentage of Americans support abortion rights in 2026?

61% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases (Gallup, 2026). Support for abortion access has increased since the Dobbs ruling in June 2022. Abortion rights ballot measures have passed in Kansas, Michigan, Vermont, California and Kentucky since the decision.

How worried are Americans about housing costs in 2026?

76% of Americans say housing costs are a major economic problem (CNN/SSRS, May 2026). 41% say rent or mortgage payments cause 'major financial stress.' 83% of voters support congressional action on housing affordability, and 89% support legislation to lower housing costs (Bipartisan Policy Center).

What are Americans' top concerns about democracy in 2026?

26% of Americans name threats to democracy or government dysfunction as the most important problem facing the country (Gallup, 2026) — the second-highest response category after economic issues. 64% say Democrats and Republicans are unable to work together (Pew Research, April 2026). 66% say they have little or no confidence that the government can solve the country's major problems.

GALLUP · PEW · AP-NORC · MAY 2026

What's Moving America

The 8 issues that matter most to American voters right now — with the actual polling numbers behind the headlines. Updated monthly from Gallup, Pew Research, AP-NORC and CNN/SSRS.

Home › What's Moving America

Polling Snapshot — May 2026

73%

say healthcare costs are a very big problem

76%

say housing costs are a major economic problem

64%

disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs

61%

say abortion should be legal in most/all cases

#1 — ECONOMY & INFLATION

Cost of Living: 76% Say Economic Conditions Are Getting Worse

Consumer confidence at pandemic-era lows. 66% call inflation a "very big problem." 15% cite high cost of living as the single most important problem (up from 8% in February).

Full analysis →

#2 — TARIFFS & TRADE WAR

60% Say Trump Has Gone "Too Far" — Tariffs as Consumer Tax

145% on China, 25% on Canada/Mexico, 10% universal baseline. 55% say tariffs have hurt the economy. 64% disapprove of Trump's handling. Price increases now visible at retail level.

Full analysis →

#3 — HEALTHCARE & MEDICAID

73% Call Healthcare Costs a "Very Big Problem" — Highest Since 2021

47% fear they can't afford care in 2026. Proposed Medicaid cuts ($800B–$1T over 10 years) threaten coverage for 10–15M Americans. Democrats' most powerful 2026 issue.

Full analysis →

#4 — HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

76% Say Housing Is a Major Problem — 41% Under Major Rent/Mortgage Stress

Home prices up 40%+ since 2020. Mortgage rates above 7%. 83% of voters want congressional action. 89% support legislation to lower housing costs. Bipartisan agreement, no federal solution.

Full analysis →

#5 — IMMIGRATION & DEPORTATIONS

Concern Falling: 38% Call It a Very Big Problem (Down From 48% in Feb)

50% say Trump has gone "too far" on deportations (AP-NORC). 60% of Republicans vs. 17% of Democrats see illegal immigration as a very big problem. Alien Enemies Act litigation ongoing.

Full analysis →

#6 — ABORTION & REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

61% Support Legal Abortion — Democrats' Highest-Testing 2026 Message

Post-Dobbs: 14 states with near-total bans. Ballot measures passed in 5 states since 2022. 57%+ support protecting abortion access in swing districts. Abortion drives Democratic overperformance.

Full analysis →

#7 — CLIMATE & ENERGY

44% Express "Great Deal" of Concern — Highest Climate Worry Since 1989

IRA ($369B) under attack. Trump exited Paris Agreement. 64% say human activity causes climate change. 39% call it a very big problem. 35% say climate is "very important" for their vote.

Full analysis →

#8 — DEMOCRACY & RULE OF LAW

26% Name Threats to Democracy as #1 Problem — Government Trust at Record Low

66% have little/no confidence government can solve major problems. 64% say parties can't cooperate. Executive branch expansion, court battles and press freedom concerns driving sustained anxiety.

Full analysis →

Sources: Pew Research Center (April/May 2026), Gallup Most Important Problem (May 2026), AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, CNN/SSRS (May 2026), Ipsos/ABC/Washington Post polling. Data updated monthly.

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