86% of voters say their cost of living has increased over the past year, and 74% say it is crucial for the Trump administration and Congress to eliminate the hidden tax brought by lawsuit abuse

Washington, D.C. — Today, Protecting American Consumers Together (PACT) released a new nationwide survey gauging voters’ views on the rising cost of living and the impact of lawsuit abuse on everyday expenses. Conducted in February 2025, the survey reveals that a vast majority of Americans believe lawsuit abuse is a key factor driving up the price of goods and services. PACT will promote the survey’s findings on digital platforms and with administration officials and bipartisan Members of Congress.

“President Trump has the opportunity to deliver on his campaign promise of lowering the cost of living on American families by ending lawsuit abuse in the U.S.,” wrote GS Strategy Group in their polling memo to PACT.  “In particular, American voters want Congress to act to eliminate the $4,200 hidden tax all American families pay as a result of frivolous lawsuits. Americans of all political stripes and across demographics support reforming our legal system to drive down the cost of goods and services in the U.S.”

“President Trump campaigned on lowering costs for Americans, and he can get it done by curbing lawsuit abuse,” said Lauren Zelt, Executive Director of PACT. “President Trump has called out the lawyer lobby as the ‘strongest lobby in the world’ — he’s right, and has a great opportunity to fix that. Voters across America believe their cost of living has gone up over the last 12 months, and federal reforms curbing lawsuit abuse are a great first step to deliver on this promise.” 

Poll Highlights: 

• 86% of voters say their cost of living has increased over the past year—with 56% reporting it has gone up “a lot.”
• 70% agree that lawsuit abuse is a major contributor to higher prices, with 82% of Republicans, 71% of Independents, and 60% of Democrats sharing that view.
• 64% of voters support reforms to eliminate the $4,200 hidden tax imposed on American families by lawsuit abuse—support that spans party lines (71% Republicans, 64% Independents, 59% Democrats).
• Specific reforms to curb lawsuit abuse also received robust backing: 83% support greater transparency on hidden fees paid to billboard attorneys, 77% favor legal reforms to lower auto insurance rates, 75% want fee arrangements between attorneys and medical provider networks disclosed, and 67% support capping attorney fees.
• A commanding 81% of voters recall that President Trump promised to reduce the cost-of-living if elected, and 74% say it is crucial for the Trump Administration and Congress to eliminate the hidden tax.

The survey was conducted by GS Strategy Group among 1,000 likely voters between February 7, 2025 and February 13, 2025. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The memo can be found here. The survey, including the methodology, is available here. 

Note: For interviews to discuss the polling results, please email laurenzelt@protectingamericanconsumers.org

Note: A copy of the polling memo can be read here.
Note: A copy of the poll can be read here.