Trump’s Popularity Takes a Hit as Tariff Backlash Grows — What the Latest Poll Reveals

It’s been just a few months into Donald Trump’s second term, and already the numbers are telling a story of growing dissatisfaction.

From declining approval ratings to widespread skepticism about his economic policies, Americans seem increasingly uneasy about the direction of the country.

In this article, we’ll look at his approval ratings, public reactions to tariffs, economic expectations, and broader sentiments about his administration. Let’s break it down.

Declining Approval and Favourability Ratings

1. Job Approval

• Net Approval: -8 (43% approve, 51% disapprove).
• Trend: Down from +6 in his first poll as president — a staggering 14-point drop in just weeks.

2. Personal Favourability

• Net Favourability: -11 (43% favourable, 54% unfavourable).
• Among 2024 Voters: Even Trump’s base is showing cracks—favourability among his voters dropped from 91% to 85%, with unfavourable views rising from 9% to 14%.

Key Takeaway: Trump’s honeymoon period has ended abruptly, with both general voters and his core supporters expressing growing dissatisfaction.

Public Perception on Key Issues

Approval ratings for Trump’s handling of specific issues reveal where he’s losing ground:

Insights:

• Immigration remains Trump’s strongest issue, but even here, support is flatlining.
• On prices and inflation, disapproval has surged, reflecting growing economic concerns.

The Fallout from Tariffs

Trump’s recent tariff policies have sparked controversy, with public opinion deeply divided along partisan lines:

Awareness and Overall Sentiment

• Awareness: 73% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans heard “a lot” about the tariffs.
• Approval: Just 36% approve, while 52% disapprove → Net: -16.

Partisan Divide

• Democrats: Net approval of 79.
• Independents: Net approval of 29.
• Republicans: Net approval of +57 (MAGA Republicans: +74; Non-MAGA Republicans: +39).

Demographic Trends

• Men are more supportive than women.
• Older adults are more supportive than younger ones.
• Net approval remains negative across all gender and age groups.

Key Takeaway: While Trump’s base supports his protectionist stance, the broader public—and especially Democrats—are strongly opposed.

Economic Expectations Amid Tariff Concerns

The tariffs have fueled fears of rising costs and economic instability:

• Price Increases:
  • 80% expect prices to rise (47% “a lot,” 33% “a little”).
  • Only 4% expect prices to decrease.
• Consumer Behaviour:
  • 21% plan to buy now before prices go up.
  • 31% will delay purchases.
• Global Reactions:
  • 56% believe other countries will retaliate.
  • 40% think a trade war is very likely.

Impact Expectations Across Areas

Source: Economist/YouGov Poll (April 5–8, 2025).

Key Insight: Most Americans anticipate negative consequences, particularly for personal finances and the broader economy.

Sentiment on Trump’s Broader Agenda

Public opinion is skeptical about Trump’s plans for his administration:

“Gone Too Far?”

• Tariffs: 56% say gone too far, 8% say not far enough.
• Acquiring New Territory: 51% too far, 6% not far enough.
• Cutting Scientific Research Funding: 48% too far, 9% not far enough.

Partisan Divide:

• Democrats: Overwhelmingly say “too far” on all areas.
• Republicans: Divided; only on tariffs and territory do more say “too far” than “not far enough.”

Third-Term Speculation

• 52% believe Trump will attempt a third term.
• Only 17% think he should, and just 8% believe the Constitution allows it.
  • Among Republicans: 36% say he should, 16% say it’s allowed.

Takeaway: Trump’s ambitions face significant legal and public resistance, even within his own party.

Economic Sentiment: Growing Pessimism

The mood among Americans is increasingly bleak:

• Economic Outlook:
  • 53% say the economy is getting worse, up from 47% two weeks ago and 37% in January.
  • 51% expect higher inflation in six months, up from 34% in January.
• News Perception:
  • 60% say they’re hearing mostly negative economic news, up from 43% in February.
  • Among Harris 2024 voters, negativity rose sharply from 53% to 82%.

Key Insight: Rising pessimism reflects growing unease about Trump’s economic policies and their impact.

Wrapping Up: A Presidency Under Scrutiny

Donald Trump’s second term has gotten off to a rocky start, marked by declining approval ratings, widespread disapproval of his tariffs, and growing economic pessimism.

While his base remains loyal, cracks are beginning to show even among his most ardent supporters.

As the country grapples with rising prices, fears of a an imminent trade war, and concerns about Trump’s broader agenda, one thing is clear: His presidency will continue to be a polarising force.

Whether he can regain public trust or further alienate voters remains to be seen.