A three-time supporter of President Donald Trump is voicing her frustration over soaring living costs, particularly in regard to skyrocketing grocery bills. Bethany Lnenicka, a 41-year-old small farmer from Fairfax, Iowa, has expressed disappointment in what she hoped would be a more effective second term for the president.

Lnenicka explained that everyday expenses are becoming unmanageable. “Groceries are just like kind of out of control. It seems like everything is going up,” she said. “It’s just one thing, and the next week it’s another thing. It’s just insane. And of course your income doesn’t go up.”

Her sentiments come against the backdrop of a recent AP-NORC poll revealing a significant drop in public approval for Trump, particularly concerning his economic policies. Currently, only 17% of American adults approve of his management of the cost of living, with his overall economic approval rating falling to a new low of 26% according to the survey.

The poll indicates that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe Trump’s policies are largely responsible for the persistent price increases they face. An increasing number of people, including a notable portion of his own party, are expressing dissatisfaction. Around 60% of Republicans now disapprove of how he is handling the cost of living, a sharp rise from 50% in April.

Lnenicka identifies as a political independent who generally leans Republican. With Trump back in office, she expected economic conditions to improve, reminiscent of his first term. “I just don’t feel it has improved much,” she lamented.

Concerns around fundamental expenses are escalating. The poll shows that about half of U.S. adults report being either extremely or very worried about their ability to afford gasoline, an increase from 39% just a few months ago.

Food affordability is another pressing issue. Lnenicka is not alone in her worries; many Americans share similar concerns, highlighting the broader impact these rising costs are having on family budgets nationwide.

Pedro Sanchez, a 52-year-old law enforcement officer from California, echoed these frustrations. He noted that his disposable income has shrunk considerably due to increasing costs, revealing just how widespread the strain has become.

In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Trump has put a strong focus on inflation, criticizing former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris while promising voters that he would reign in prices.

Despite his efforts, Trump’s support among the electorate concerning economic management has plummeted, with a notable 14 percentage point decline since March of this year. The dissatisfaction among voters is reaching a boiling point.

The poll, which surveyed 2,140 adults between September 24 and 28, has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. These findings come at a critical time, just weeks ahead of the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.

Many voters are now re-evaluating their support as they contend with rising costs that affect their daily lives. The notion that Trump’s policies would lead to a brighter economic future is fading for many, leaving them questioning their recent voting decisions.

As inflation and the cost of living continue to dominate conversations across the nation, the urgency for Trump to address these pressing concerns grows. For voters like Lnenicka, the stakes are not just political; they reflect their everyday realities.

The ultimate test for Trump will come at the ballot box, where voters will weigh his record against their lived experiences of economic hardship. The impact of rising costs on financial stability is expected to play a key role in shaping electoral outcomes.

Amidst these challenges, voters are seeking reassurances that their needs are being addressed. As dissatisfaction spreads, so too does the importance of economic performance in upcoming elections.

Going forward, the economic landscape will undoubtedly be a central topic in political discussions. Voters will be closely monitoring how the administration plans to tackle these challenges head-on as they prepare for the important electoral contests ahead.

As the cost of living continues to rise, how Trump chooses to respond could very well define not just his presidency, but also the future of the Republican Party in a rapidly changing political landscape.