As President Donald Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his presidency, many Minnesotans express feelings of economic uncertainty. An HR professional fears a potential recession, while an entrepreneur hopes for recovery from a recent slump in business. Meanwhile, an unemployed single mother feels ‘terrified’ about her financial future.
MPR News conducted interviews with voters across Minnesota to gauge their economic experiences and opinions on Trump’s job performance. Economic concerns were prevalent, though tolerance for discomfort varied depending on political support for Trump.
Samantha Herd, an HR professional in St. Paul, dreads a possible recession and is taking steps to prepare financially. On the other hand, Dave Stoltman, owner of a liquidation business in Winona, attributes his 30% business decline to uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policies. Despite this, Stoltman remains supportive of Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
Inflation has moderated close to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, yet many Minnesotans still struggle with rising prices. Consumer sentiment dropped between March and April due to concerns over trade policy and its inflationary effects. Some, like Brandon Doty, an installer from Bemidji, have canceled trips and are cutting expenses.
Aaron Henning, co-owner of Val’s Hamburgers in St. Cloud, notes that some customers are feeling the economic pinch, particularly those on fixed incomes. While Henning supports Trump’s moves to shrink the federal government, others, like Republican George Fredrickson, criticize Trump’s messaging on tariffs and its impact on the stock market.
Despite these uncertainties, Minnesota’s economy remains strong, with a low unemployment rate and decent wage growth. However, global brokerages warn of a potential recession, raising concerns about a broader economic slowdown.
Farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota also face uncertainty due to Trump’s trade policies. China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods have affected agricultural exports, though some farmers remain cautiously optimistic about future negotiations.
— new from MPR News