As a recent poll from CNBC indicated, Americans’ support for tariffs is at an all-time low. Today only 35% of Americans approve of tariffs vs. 49% that disapprove of them. Those results underscore that the public is convinced that tariffs are bad for the economy. They harm American workers and exacerbate inflation. This disapproval is emblematic of increasing alarm from the average American about the administration’s economic agenda.
This survey demonstrates that regardless of political party affiliation or what state you live in, majorities agree national tariffs hurt American workers. Well, approximately 83% of Democrats agree with that. Independents are in agreement too, with a strong 54% in favor, revealing a bipartisan consensus that tariffs are bad for business. This sentiment is motivated by the fact that these kinds of trade policies kill opportunities for economic growth and exacerbate increasing inflation.
More than three quarters of our respondents voiced their concerns, arguing that tariffs are harmful to the macroeconomy. Instead, the public now views tariffs as an ominous harbinger of bad things to come, foretelling further deterioration in the economic horizon. Perhaps most importantly, the survey highlights how citizens believe tariffs are not just job threats, but ultimately increase inflationary pressures nationwide.
Jay Campbell, partner at Hart Associates, provided his expertise as a Democratic pollster to the survey. In his keynote presentation, he stressed the real-world impact of these conclusions.
“Donald Trump was reelected specifically to improve the economy, and so far, people are not liking what they’re seeing.” – Jay Campbell
Today’s survey results indicate that public confidence in the administration’s ability to handle our economic woes is fading fast. Few people would argue that tariffs are a good thing. They view tariffs as impediments to their much-needed and long-awaited economic recovery and stability.
Micah Roberts is the national vice president and managing partner at Public Opinion Strategies. Featured Republican pollster for the survey, Whit Ayers, noted how public opinion changed.
“We’re in a turbulent, kind of maelstrom of change when it comes to how people feel about what’s going to happen next.” – Micah Roberts
The findings reveal a critical juncture in public opinion regarding tariffs and economic policy. As inflation continues to rise and job security becomes increasingly uncertain, more Americans are questioning the effectiveness of current trade practices. The notion that tariffs could be a solution to economic woes is losing traction as citizens seek alternatives that prioritize job creation and price stability.
As you might expect, a recurring theme was the concern over job losses and inflation. Perhaps more importantly, they protested the direction in which America is headed under the current tariff policies. It is widely understood by the general public that tariffs are harmful to America. This ubiquitous perception has led to increasing demands to reevaluate our trade policies.
The survey results paint a picture of an emerging and encouragingly progressive political dynamic. Most independents and Democrats oppose tariffs. This may have serious consequences for electoral fortunes in the future as voters continue to be more focused on economic management in their voting decisions.
As the nation grapples with these economic challenges, it remains to be seen how policymakers will respond to public concerns regarding tariffs and their impacts. The growing disapproval signals a need for dialogue and potential policy reevaluation to align with the expectations of American citizens.
Leave a Reply