About half of rural American voters believe the economy is in worse shape now than when President Donald Trump took office, according to a recent survey. This finding could signal a potential challenge for Republicans ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as rural voters have historically been a key part of Trump’s political base. The Associated Press-KFF survey, which included over 2,000 registered rural voters, found widespread dissatisfaction with both national and local economies. Concerns about the cost of groceries, gasoline, and healthcare were among the most pressing issues for these voters, who were more likely than the general public to worry about affording basic necessities. Despite the economic concerns, Trump still holds strong support among rural voters. Nearly half of them approve of his overall job performance, which is higher than the national average. However, only 40 percent approve of how he has handled the economy. A significant majority—three-quarters—rated the cost of living in their communities as only fair or poor, a notable increase from similar surveys conducted in 2017. These results suggest that while rural voters have not fully turned away from Trump or the Republican Party, many are still skeptical about whether the economic improvements he promised have reached their areas. Economic perceptions are sharply divided along party lines. About six in 10 rural Republicans believe Trump has improved the national economy, compared to fewer than two in 10 independents and fewer than one in 10 Democrats. However, Republicans were less optimistic about their local conditions. Only 45 percent felt their local economy had improved, while a quarter believed the availability of well-paying jobs had worsened in the past five years. Some rural voters are connecting their financial struggles to policies from the Trump administration, including trade tariffs, disputes, and the war with Iran. "Trump promised to lower prices on Day 1, and instead the cost of living’s continued to climb," said Tim Slack, a sociology professor who studies rural America. Healthcare is another major concern for rural voters, with only 17 percent believing Trump’s policies had a positive effect on their healthcare costs. Nearly half said they saw no impact, while another 41 percent reported negative effects. Most rural voters were largely unaware of the Trump administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program, with over 60 percent having heard nothing about it. While some rural Republicans still believe Trump has the right approach but needs more time, others are feeling the financial strain firsthand. "Gas prices, they’re eating me alive right now," said Wanda Rogers, a 66-year-old Republican in Georgia. For some, frustration with the economy may lead to a shift in political support, but it remains to be seen if this will translate into significant changes in voting behavior.