Inflation and Public Perception

A Key Factor in the U.S. Presidential Election

In recent years, inflation has been at the center of economic and political concerns in the United States. After reaching a peak of over 9% in June 2022, it gradually declined to 2.6% in October 2024. However, despite this significant decrease, public sentiment regarding rising prices remains a sensitive issue, directly influencing electoral choices and consumer confidence.

A Gap Between Economic Data and Public Perception

While key economic indicators show positive signs—GDP growth is improving, and unemployment rates are falling—a large segment of the American population continues to express dissatisfaction with the cost of living. This persistent frustration is mainly due to continued price increases in essential sectors such as food, energy, and housing, which still weigh heavily on household budgets.

Additionally, although overall inflation has slowed, wage growth has not always kept pace, creating a perception of declining purchasing power for many workers. This has fueled distrust toward the current administration, which is accused of failing to do enough to support the middle class and the most affected households.

The Political Impact: A Boost for Donald Trump

This negative perception of the economic situation played a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election. Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, successfully capitalized on public discontent, making inflation one of the core issues of his campaign. He promised aggressive measures to reduce energy costs, cut taxes for households, and limit government interventions, which he argued were responsible for economic imbalances.

In contrast, the Democratic administration struggled to convince voters that the economy was actually improving. The incumbent president, despite efforts to highlight economic recovery and regained stability, failed to counter the negative sentiment among many Americans.

Persistent Distrust Despite Economic Recovery

This situation highlights a well-known political phenomenon: economic performance alone does not shape public opinion. Even when data indicates improvement, the daily financial reality of consumers can create a disconnect between facts and perception.

As the United States moves past the inflation crisis of 2022, the collective memory of economic hardship continues to fuel a climate of uncertainty and skepticism toward the government. This factor could continue to influence future political and economic decisions, particularly regarding price management and social policies.