Comparing the results of polls taken by Gallup in December 2022 and December 2024 reveals an astounding reversal of Americans’ attitudes on every critical issue.
Two years ago, Gallup reported that a majority of Americans held negative expectations on all 13 of the economic, social, political, and international issues it questioned them on. Americans, suffering under Biden administration policies, reported that they expected 2023 to be a year of economic difficulty, higher taxes, continued inflation bordering on hyperinflation, an increase in violent crime, and more unemployment. They expected more riots and strikes by unions unhappy with employment contracts that didn’t allow their members the opportunity to keep up with the government-created inflation.
Internationally, Americans expected the nation’s profile and prestige in the world to continue to decline.
When Gallup asked whether taxes would rise or fall in the upcoming year, whether it would be a year of economic difficulty, whether the federal budget deficit would increase, whether prices would continue to increase, or whether employment would continue to fall, the answers were uniformly negative. Americans expected crime and prices to rise, and international disputes increasing in number and in danger of escalating.
Surprising Turnaround
Although many challenges remain, two-thirds of Americans now think there will be increasing employment, especially in the beleaguered manufacturing sector. The same percentage thinks the stock market will continue its remarkable run. This is especially true now that the threat of overturning Trump’s Jobs Act has all but disappeared. They believe that inflation will continue to decline due to the promised reduction in federal spending and repeal of regulations. With the revival of the energy sector, costs of electricity and utilities are likely to decline, reducing the pressure on households now struggling to buy groceries and gas.
Two years ago, Americans held a negative outlook on all 13 issues Gallup polled them on. Now they are positive on six of them. Robust majorities are expecting a turnaround on jobs, inflation, the economy, and America’s standing in the world.
And Donald Trump isn’t even president yet. His inauguration will take place Monday, January 20, 2025.
