Americans Grapple With Tariff Pain as Trump’s Approval Slides Amid Economic Anxiety
President Donald Trump is facing a sharp downturn in public approval as new tariffs spark widespread concern about the U.S. economy and household finances, according to a series of new national polls. The findings highlight an increasingly anxious nation, as Americans of all political stripes feel the impact of rising prices and uncertainty around the administration’s trade policies.
According to an Economist/YouGov poll conducted April 5-8, Trump’s net approval rating dropped to -8, with just 43% approving and 51% disapproving—an erosion of support since the start of his second term. Favorability among his 2024 voters has also slipped; only 85% still view him positively, down from 91% just weeks ago. On critical issues like the economy and inflation, Trump faces even steeper declines: 40% approve while 55% disapprove of his stewardship on trade, and a mere 36% approve his handling of prices and inflation. Quinnipiac’s concurrent poll found similar results, recording Trump’s overall job approval at 41%, with economic discontent top of mind for Americans.
The president’s recently imposed tariffs—a sweeping minimum 10% rate on imports—have proved especially controversial. Polls show that most Americans (52%) disapprove of the new tariffs, with sentiment harshest among Democrats and independents but with even MAGA Republicans less united than expected. Opinions on the tariffs are largely negative across age and gender groups; while 39% of Americans believe tariffs may help U.S. manufacturing, a majority expect them to hurt consumers, the economy, and the country’s global standing.
Polling analyst Tim Malloy summed up the nation’s mood: “A large majority of voters acknowledge the tariffs are delivering a bruising body blow to the economy in the near term. Will time reduce the pain? Some think it will, but a majority don't envision that happening.” The most acute worry is inflation—80% expect prices will rise, and nearly half say the pain will be significant. The top concern for 47% of respondents is the cost of food and consumer goods, a rare instance of consensus between Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.
Amid this backdrop, only 17% of Americans believe Trump should attempt a third term, and even fewer (8%) think it’s constitutionally allowed, despite more than half (52%) expecting he might try. Across economic and political questions, Americans are more likely to view the Trump administration as going “too far than not far enough.”
With 53% saying the economy is worsening and 51% predicting higher inflation ahead, Trump’s political fortunes appear increasingly tied to economic realities felt at the grocery store and beyond. The data paints a portrait of a restless and skeptical electorate, where the long-term promises of tariffs are overshadowed by immediate pains and a desire for political solutions that address kitchen-table concerns.
As the debate over tariffs and the direction of the Trump administration intensifies, will Americans’ patience wear thin—or will economic skies clear before the next election? Readers—how are you experiencing these changes? Join the conversation below and share your view.
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