Major survey reveals widespread belief among Americans that economic condition worsened under Trump's administration.
Fast-forward to Trump's second term, and voters are left unimpressed with the economy's performance. Recent polls indicate a troubling outlook for President Trump's economic policy.
The trade policy, described as turbulent, has fueled concerns of a looming recession among voters. Last year, the economy was a major selling point for Trump, helping him secure another term in the White House. However, the much-anticipated economic boom hasn't materialized, with citizens expressing dissatisfaction over inflation and tariffs.
Polls Paint a Grim Picture
In the latest Washington Post-Ipsos poll, Trump's approval rating on the economy stands at a dismal 39%, while 61% of adults disapprove of the president's performance. Interestingly, only 21% of respondents believe the economy has improved under Trump, with 53% stating it has worsened since his second inauguration.
Trump's handling of tariffs received significant criticism, with 64% of adults disapproving. Similarly, more than 2 to 1 adults disapprove of Trump's management of the volatile stock market.
Inflation Tops Voters' Concerns
The latest CBS News/YouGov poll reveals a majority (58%) of adults expressing dissatisfaction with Trump's economic policy. On inflation, a pressing issue for Trump during his campaign, voters are even more disappointed, with 62% finding his handling of the issue unsatisfactory.
In the New York Times and Siena College poll, 50% of registered voters believe Trump has worsened the economy, while only 21% say otherwise.
Heated Trade Policy Debate
Democrats have criticized Trump's trade policy, arguing that he oversteps his authority when setting tariffs without congressional approval. Trump has faced notable resistance from Republicans on tariffs, with seven senators siding with Democrats on related legislation.
Trump imposed widespread tariffs globally earlier this month, only to grant a 90-day reprieve for many countries a few days later. The 10% base tariff remains in effect for most countries, including high tariffs on Chinese goods.
Supply chain researchers warn that continued confrontational trade policies could lead to higher prices for Americans.
Explore our website for more insights on Trump's economic policies and their implications.
Contextual Insights:
- Trump's job approval stands at 40%, a significant drop from February 2025.
- 59% of Americans disapprove of Trump's tariff increases, with only 39% supporting them.
- Confidence in Trump’s ability to handle the economy fell to 45%, a 14-point drop since November 2024.
- Trump’s tariffs are estimated to reduce long-run GDP by 6%, wages by 5%, and cause $22,000 in lifetime losses for middle-income households.
- The tariffs are twice as economically damaging as raising corporate taxes from 21% to 36% for equivalent revenue.
- The latest polls, such as the Washington Post-Ipsos poll, indicate a dismal approval rating of 39% for President Trump's economic policy, with 61% of adults expressing their disapproval.
- On inflation, a key issue during Trump's campaign, voters are increasingly disappointed, with 62% finding his handling of the issue unsatisfactory according to the CBS News/YouGov poll.
- Democrats have criticized Trump's trade policy, arguing that Trump oversteps his authority when setting tariffs without congressional approval, as evident in the resistance from seven Republican senators on related legislation.
- Supply chain researchers warn that Trump's continued confrontational trade policies could lead to higher prices for Americans, potentially weighing heavily on the overall economic performance, given the troubling outlook for President Trump's economic policy during his second term.
