The economy was one of the top issues for American voters in this year's presidential election.
As Voice of America correspondent Scott Stearns reports, as they await the return of Republican Donald Trump to power, many Americans say they hope that improving the economy will be the main priority of the new administration.
The economy was at the center of Republican Donald Trump's campaign until his victory speech.
"We will make America strong, safe and prosperous, as our children and you deserve," Mr Trump said.
For most voters, the economy and employment were the key issues in the election, according to Kaiser Foundation pollster Ashley Kirzinger.
"With so many voters focused on the economy, polls show that the percentage of Americans who say their incomes are down has increased compared to four years ago," she says.
Because of the economy, Ms. Kirzinger says, more residents voted for Mr. Trump — a powerful message that was clearly heard even by the losing party.
Hakeem Jeffries is the leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives.
"They want us to focus on important issues and to come together to solve problems for the American taxpayer, starting with lowering the cost of living for Americans living paycheck to paycheck," he says.
In New Mexico, voter Judy Evans says she chose Trump because of high prices.
"Inflation has affected me. Foods have doubled in the last two years. The price of energy and similar expenses have increased," she says.
In North Carolina, Aaron Anderson assesses the economy during Mr. Trump's first administration.
"Trump is going to fix the economy for us. He was doing well in his first term and he's going to get it back on track," he says.
Voter Charles Boudreaux expects swift action from the new administration.
"There will be less regulation. People will have more money to spend on their needs. Gasoline prices will decrease," he says.
American consumers may not see such rapid changes, says finance professor Michael Weber.
"At the end of the day, a president, regardless of who's in the White House, has little influence over economic policy in the short term, especially over the food prices in our daily lives," he says.
Mr. Trump's economic plans include more oil drilling, lower taxes and tariffs on imports, which many economists say will raise prices for American consumers./ VOA (A2 Televizion)
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