Economic worries impact Americans’ life plans amid Trump’s policies

Economic uncertainty during the early months of Donald Trump’s presidency is prompting many Americans to delay major life decisions, according to a new Harris Poll conducted for the Guardian. Sixty percent of respondents said the current economy has affected at least one of their major life goals, including having children, getting married, or buying a home.

Despite Trump’s proposal of a $5,000 “baby bonus” to encourage population growth, many are postponing plans to have children due to financial concerns. Among those who intended to have a child in 2025, 65% cited affordability or economic anxiety as reasons for delaying.

Home ownership, long considered central to the American dream, is increasingly out of reach. While 42% hoped to buy a home, 75% of them said the current economy had prevented it. Rising interest rates and persistently high home prices are significant barriers, especially for younger generations.

Inflation continues to drive economic anxiety, with 78% of Americans reporting higher grocery costs and 60% noticing increased bills and essentials. While Republicans are more optimistic about the economy under Trump, a majority of independents and Democrats view it as worsening. Tariffs are widely seen as the top financial threat in 2025 across political lines.