If the shutdown extends into a second month, then damage starts to accumulate pretty quickly," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s,

Axios Visuals Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, fueled by dissatisfaction with President Trump's impact on the economy, immigration, race relations and the nation's global standing,

Economic pessimism could possibly impact policy decisions and political outcomes in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

Economic anxiety rises as 47% of Americans doubt their ability to find good jobs, up from 37% in October 2023. High costs for groceries, housing, healthcare and electricity persist, with 36% citing utility bills as major stress. Trump’s 36% economic approval rating mirrors Biden’s struggles, as tariffs and hiring freezes dampen a promised boom.

The confirmation comes after President Donald Trump teased last week that financing for the South American country would be contingent on President Javier Milei's success in his midterm elections.

In the Virginia and New Jersey governor's races and the California redistricting fight, Democrats are spending more on ads — though that comes with no guarantees about the results.