Between the Venezuelan occupation, threats of taking over Greenland, and ICE’s ongoing crackdown across the country, political tensions in the U.S. have reached a boiling point. But today’s divided America isn’t just about Democrats versus Republicans. New research by Angus Reid USA shows a shift in top concerns among MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans.
Cost of Living Takes the Hot Seat
In a recent randomized survey of 1,838 American adults, seven-in-ten (70%) cited being upset at the negative impact of the last 12 months on their household’s cost of living. Three-in-five (62%) expressed negative feelings about the changes to their household’s health care costs.
Among non-MAGA Republicans, concerns over the cost of living have increased in the last year, now occupying the top spot (24% pleased, 54% upset). Previously, immigration was the biggest issue among the cohort, which has now shifted into second place. Health care and political corruption also ranked in their top five concerns, 22% pleased and 43% upset with healthcare access.
Self-identified MAGA Republicans, on the other hand, continue to rank immigration as a top concern, selecting border security as their primary issue, equal to inflation. Health care access, political corruption, and national security rounded out their top five concerns.
Democratic Disillusionment
Unsurprisingly, Democrats have their own concerns. Compared with other groups, they are more troubled by ICE activity in major cities and account for much of the negative sentiment directed at the Supreme Court, the House, and the Senate. The Federal Reserve is a notable exception, drawing more praise than criticism from self-identified Democrats.
Non-MAGA Republicans, by contrast, tend to view these institutions more favorably, though not with the same enthusiasm as their MAGA-aligned counterparts. Even so, most express mild criticism of the Federal Reserve.
Even within their own party, Democrats are finding little to be optimistic about: 50% disapprove of the party’s performance over the past year, compared with 41% who approve.
The Color Purple
While reds and blues differ on many issues, there is a clear overlap when it comes to the cost of living and health care. These concerns are shared across party lines, including among MAGA Republicans.
If the last 12 months have taught us anything, it’s that we can’t predict what tomorrow will look like. With the midterm elections approaching in November, and government priorities shifting almost daily, it’s impossible to forecast the state of the country ten months from now. We can, however, speculate that if the cost of living stays the same, or continues to rise, Americans are likely to head to the polls with that reality top of mind.
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