Capitol News

A recent poll conducted by the Detroit Regional Chamber indicates that Michigan residents are experiencing increased economic concerns, with many attributing their financial struggles to policies under former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders.

The poll highlights a significant rise in the number of Michiganders expecting a recession within the next year. The percentage has nearly doubled since September 2024, reaching 38.5% compared to 20.5% a year earlier. Additionally, a majority of respondents, by a margin of 59% to 38%, believe the economy is weakening rather than growing.

Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, commented on the poll’s findings. “Michiganders know they’re getting cheated out of their hard-earned money while Trump and Michigan Republicans give tax handouts to billionaires instead of lowering costs for working families,” said Hertel. “This poll just shows us what we already know: Michiganders are paying more for the same things while having a harder and harder time finding good-paying jobs, all thanks to Donald Trump and his Republican lackeys, who are more than happy to sell out our state.

“Republicans like Mike Rogers, John James, Tom Barrett, and Bill Huizenga, who wholeheartedly support this toxic economic agenda, are proving how little they care about working families.”

The survey also reveals that over three-quarters of Michigan residents report spending more on groceries compared to last year. Many respondents have noticed price increases in utilities (68%), home or car insurance (60%), and gas (48%). Nearly three-quarters (72%) believe that tariffs are raising the cost of goods.

Concerns about the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s auto industry were prominent in the poll results. A majority (60%) think Trump’s tariffs would harm the state’s auto sector, while 48% say these policies would negatively affect Michigan’s overall economy. Among households with family members employed in the auto industry, 66% said tariffs are hurting their industry. Only 19% reported any benefit from these measures.

Furthermore, most households connected to the auto sector expect tariffs to reduce annual profit-sharing checks from major automakers. Auto industry workers expressed greater concern about potential job loss (31%) compared to other surveyed workers (13%).