Daily Perception of Donald Trump among US Citizens
The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), a leading global news organisation with its main newsroom in Zurich, provides daily updates on the latest polling data regarding public opinion on Donald Trump's economic and foreign policies in the United States.
Over the past few years, public opinion on Trump's economic policies has been mixed but generally more negative than positive. Many Americans perceive his "America First" agenda, including tariffs and trade wars, as raising prices and hurting the economy. This sentiment is reflected in a survey showing that 41% of Americans think Trump's economic policies negatively impact their personal finances, while 48% believe they harm the national economy.
One of the main concerns for Americans is the impact of tariffs and trade wars on rising prices. Three-quarters of Americans believe that tariffs have increased prices on goods they buy, affecting consumer behavior. Despite economic uncertainty, consumer confidence in spending and investing has remained somewhat stable since 2023, though financial strain remains for many after bills.
On the foreign policy front, Trump's approach has been viewed as more isolationist and transactional compared to Democrats, resulting in lower approval ratings internationally and significant criticism from U.S. allies. In a 2025 global survey, Trump's ratings in world affairs trailed Joe Biden’s ratings by an average of twelve percentage points.
Trump's administration took hardline actions in areas like the Middle East and authorized military strikes, such as those on Iran nuclear sites in 2025, which attracted domestic and international criticism.
Comparatively, Democratic opponents like Biden have generally had better perceptions internationally on foreign policy. Trump's net approval on major issues, including the economy, was underwater as recently as mid-2025, with his strongest issue being immigration but still negative overall.
In conclusion, from 2017 to 2025, public opinion in the U.S. has shown significant skepticism or opposition to Trump's economic and foreign policy performance, especially when contrasted with Democratic leaders. Concerns about tariffs, inflation, and international relations remained prominent themes throughout his tenure and continuing influence. The NZZ offers thoughtful, well-researched stories and analyses, providing an industry-leading network of expert reporters around the globe, and offering a critical and fact-based outside view.
The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) consistently delves into policy-and-legislation and general-news, providing in-depth analysis on the public's opinions towards Donald Trump's economic and foreign policies. More specifically, Americans have primarily expressed negative sentiments about Trump's "America First" agenda, particularly regarding tariffs and trade wars, which many believe negatively impact their personal finances and the national economy.
