President Donald Trump's economy has caused Americans to reconsider whether to buy a home or start a family, despite his administration's focus on boosting birth rates.
Six in 10 Americans say economic anxiety and a lack of affordability have led them to put off marriage, having children, or buying a home, according to a Harris poll conducted for The Guardian.
"Though Donald Trump’s tariff policies have only been in place for a few weeks, and though the president has temporarily walked back on some of his harshest policies, the findings are a sign that Trump’s economic agenda could have long-term effects," the publication reported.
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The Trump administration has floated the possibility of a $5,000 “baby bonus” for new mothers to encourage couples to have children, but respondents say that economic instability has made them put those plans on hold.
"Of those who originally planned to have a child in 2025, a majority say the current economy has affected their plans in some way, by either being unable to afford having a child (32 percent) or being uncomfortable having one in the current economy (33 percent)," The Guardian reported.
Substantial percentages of respondents told pollsters they wanted to make a large purchase, such as a car or house, but 75 percent who wanted to buy a home said economic fears had stopped them.
"The economic anxiety disproportionately affects the long-term goals of younger Americans, who are less likely to own a home already, be married or have kids," The Guardian reported. "A majority of Gen Z and millennials renters (68 percent), for example, said they had a goal of buying a house, compared to just 29 percent of renters who are older."
Well above half – 65 percent – say the cost of living has risen since the start of this year, and half said that had made it difficult to afford their living expenses.
"A vast majority (78 percent) said they had noticed increased grocery prices over the last few months, while 60 percent said they had also noticed monthly bills and everyday essentials getting more expensive," The Guardian reported. "Although nearly half (48 percent) of Republicans said the cost of living has gone up this year, Republicans appear to be more optimistic about the overall state of the economy, particularly compared to when Joe Biden was in the White House."