Republicans are growing increasingly disillusioned with capitalism, Fox News poll reports
Republicans are growing increasingly disillusioned with capitalism as rising living costs and concerns about economic fairness reshape attitudes toward the nation’s traditional free-market system.
Republicans turning on capitalism
A new Fox News survey found that 61 percent of Republicans view capitalism favorably, down from 72 percent in 2019. The share with a strongly favorable opinion also declined, falling from 54 percent to 41 percent. While Republicans remain the political group most supportive of capitalism, the findings suggest confidence in the economic system has weakened in recent years.
The survey, conducted July 17 to July 20, polled 1,003 registered voters selected from a national voter file.
Among all registered voters, capitalism’s standing has also deteriorated. In 2019, 57 percent viewed capitalism favorably while 27 percent held an unfavorable opinion, producing a net favorability rating of 30 points. In 2026, 50 percent hold a favorable view compared with 46 percent who view it unfavorably, narrowing the net rating to just four points.
The poll comes as many Americans continue to struggle with housing costs, wages and the price of everyday goods despite the Trump administration’s efforts to curb inflation and reduce prices. Analysts say those persistent affordability challenges might be undermining confidence in an economic system long associated with opportunity and prosperity.
Voters believe the system is ‘rigged’
The survey also found growing skepticism about economic fairness. Sixty-five percent of voters now believe “the system is rigged to favor the wealthy,” up from 56 percent during President Donald Trump‘s first term between 2017 and 2021.
Capitalism is generally defined by private ownership, market competition and the freedom of individuals and businesses to produce, buy and invest with limited government intervention. In the United States, private companies drive much of the nation’s economic activity while government agencies regulate markets, administer public programs and step in when policymakers deem intervention necessary.
For many voters, however, capitalism has become increasingly linked to corporate influence, rising costs and widening wealth inequality.
The American Dream
The Fox News findings align with a recent The Wall Street Journal-NORC survey showing fewer than half of Americans believe capitalism is working very or somewhat well. Roughly a decade ago, that figure stood at 60 percent. The survey also found only 35 percent of Americans are at least fairly confident they still have a realistic opportunity to secure a good job and achieve the American Dream.
Although Republican support remains comparatively strong, the latest polling suggests faith in capitalism is softening as economic pressures and perceptions of inequality continue to weigh on voters.