It’s been over a year since President Donald Trump signed the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R, 1) into law, promising economic relief for American families. New polling suggests the legislation has failed to win over the public, with many voters saying the law has done little to improve their financial situations, while others remain unsure what the bill does at all.
According to a new POLITICO/Public First poll, the legislation remains broadly unpopular despite months of Republican messaging promoting its economic benefits. Nearly half of respondents said they either knew little about the law or could not explain what it does, while only 11% said they could explain the bill in detail. Among those familiar with the legislation, many believe it primarily benefits wealthy Americans rather than working families.
The poll also found that just eight percent of respondents said the law had given them a major financial boost, while roughly one-third said it had hurt their bottom line. Additionally, 34% said the legislation provides some tax cuts that ultimately serve to conceal larger tax breaks for wealthy Americans, reinforcing criticism that the law prioritizes corporations and high-income earners over everyday families.
Skepticism about the legislation extends to Trump’s own supporters. Only around one-quarter of people who voted for Trump in the 2024 election believe the working class received substantial tax relief under the law. Republican messaging around the bill has struggled to resonate even with a key part of the president’s political base.
Among Republicans, 48% said the war had increased costs, including 46% of self-identified MAGA Trump supporters and 55% of non-MAGA Trump supporters. The widespread perception that costs have risen presents another obstacle for Trump as he seeks to defend his economic record ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The survey also examined voters’ perceptions of the economic effects of the recent conflict with Iran. Across nearly every demographic group, a majority of respondents, averaging 57%, said the war has made everyday expenses more costly.
For women and families, the stakes extend far beyond political messaging. The Big Ugly Law includes sweeping cuts to SNAP that millions of women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities rely on for food assistance. Over four million people are no longer receiving food aid because of Trump’s changes to SNAP.
The bill also made the largest cuts to Medicaid in the program’s history, making women especially vulnerable as they make up the majority of adult Medicaid enrollees. Millions of women rely on Medicaid for pregnancy and postpartum care, preventive services, and long-term health care. These cuts threaten access to essential health services for millions of women and their families. Rather than delivering the financial relief Republicans promised, the legislation has raised costs and reduced access to critical services, a combination that clearly isn’t resonating with the American public.
The findings present a growing political challenge for Republicans as they head into the 2026 midterm elections. Despite continued efforts to frame the legislation as an economic success, many voters remain unconvinced that the law has improved their lives. As Americans continue to face rising costs and reduced access to programs that support working families, the administration’s signature domestic policy is increasingly becoming a political liability rather than the legislative victory Republicans hoped it would be.
