For all the time and money we invest in politics– our elections really come down to just one question: “Are you better off than you were before?” 

This week marked the one year anniversary of Trump’s second inauguration. A lot has changed over the past year, but has your life improved for the better? Do you feel safer? Wealthier? Prouder? More hopeful? 

These, of course, are personal questions, questions that we’ll all be answering at the ballot box in November. But for now, let’s take a look at this question from the perspective of the typical North Carolinian. Are we better off than we were one year ago? 

Cost of Living

Trump made a lot of promises in 2024, few bigger than his promise to get costs under control: “When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One.”

He’s done just the opposite. His tariffs have amounted to a massive tax increase for businesses and families, and he’s defunded major programs meant to support working families with making ends meet. 

From farmers to brewers, tariffs are taking a toll on North Carolina businesses. One NC State study published this month estimates that tariffs are costing North Carolina farmers nearly $700 million– roughly a third of the industry’s income. The report– published by the conservative John Locke Foundation– warns that this could lead to more than 8,000 jobs disappearing statewide. What’s more, the indirect impact of Trump’s tariffs– such as retaliatory tariffs–  is projected to cost North Carolina $1.9 billion in revenue. 

Tariffs are also driving up household costs. The Yale Budget Lab estimates that Trump’s tariffs will cost the average household $1,7000 annually. No budget category is safe from the cost increases. The price of clothing is up 14%, beef is up 16%, and coffee 20%. Couple this with Republicans’ cuts to SNAP, and putting food on the table has gotten a lot harder.

Health Care Access

In just one year, the Trump administration found a way to increase health insurance premiums by an average of 30% for nearly 1 million North Carolinians. By allowing tax credits to expire, Trump and Congressional Republicans effectively raised costs while lowering the quality of care across the board. 

Add this on top of their historic cuts to Medicaid, and now roughly 200,000 North Carolinians are at risk of losing coverage altogether. Less North Carolinians can afford health care, and many of those who can afford it must now select lower quality plans in order to stay within their household budget. Fewer people insured, and more people paying more for their insurance. It’s not a great combo for North Carolinians. 

Public Safety

Do you feel safer than you did one year ago? With the way the Trump administration has weaponized untrained, lawless federal agents against U.S. communities, many of us would say no. 

North Carolina saw this firsthand in November, when federal agents stormed Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and other cities across the state. They harassed U.S. citizens. They broke windows. They shuttered businesses. They spread fear and created chaos, and they have little to show for it. 

Every moment that federal agents spend harassing U.S. citizens is another moment that could have been spent on other law enforcement operations, like investigating human trafficking, child abuse, and potential acts of terrorism. Instead, the Trump administration has labeled U.S. citizens and political opponents as the enemy, and devoted taxpayer dollars suppressing and intimidating them however possible.   

Frustrated? You’re not alone

The New York Times released a poll this week showing that less than a third of voters think that the country is better off than it was a year ago. A majority disapprove of how Trump has handled everything from the economy, to immigration, to the Epstein files. Trump was so angry about the poll, he sued. 

Trump can sue all he wants– it doesn’t change what you and your family are seeing. It doesn’t change the price that you’re paying, the pain and frustration that you’re feeling. And ultimately, it won’t change the choice we make at the ballot box in November. 

North Carolina will be pivotal in determining control of Congress next year. Our Senate race is shaping up to be especially impactful, where we’re seeing Trump-enabler and D.C. insider Michael Whatley run against lifelong public servant Roy Cooper. The contrast couldn’t be clearer, the paths more divergent. Are you better off than you were before Trump, or are you ready to make a change?