President Donald Trump has spent much of his second term promoting what he calls a “golden age” in the U.S. economy. Yet there is scant evidence that Americans widely accept this optimistic view. The apparent voter skepticism raises questions about the lasting impact of Trump’s economic messaging.

As critics question Donald Trump’s “booming economy,” many point to evidence suggesting that the real beneficiaries are billionaires and corporations. This opinion piece highlights how working families, especially those in Nebraska, have experienced only marginal gains since the 2017 tax overhaul.

Even after a historic 43-day government shutdown, Americans have not seen an immediate relief from economic strains. With mounting auto-loan debts, ongoing repossession trucks, and continuing disputes over SNAP benefits, key indicators suggest the Trump-era economy remains under scrutiny.