It has been about one week since President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day,” announcing broad tariffs on our trading partners. Even the most respected business professionals and economists have had a difficult time predicting what would happen next as the world markets went on a roller coaster, dueling messages emerged from the White House, and the president doubled down each day. But what do Americans think of Trump’s new tariffs?
By The Numbers:
Only 39% of all adults said they support Trump’s new tariffs, according to the latest numbers from Reuters/Ipsos, while 57% oppose. Over half of Independents (57%) said they oppose tariffs, 88% of Democrats said they oppose, and a quarter of Republicans (24%) said they oppose.
That said, Reuters found that 52% of Americans agree with Trump in theory – that our trade partners have taken advantage of the United States. Additionally, half of Americans said they believe the short-term economic pain will make the country stronger long-term.
Similarly, Quinnipiac found that 72% of voters believe tariffs will hurt the U.S. economy in the short-term, however, the number of voters who believe tariffs will hurt the economy falls to 53%.
The Bottom Line: While Americans support Trump’s philosophy in theory – we need fair trade deals – Americans are eyes wide open about the negative impact these tariffs may have on the U.S. economy as well as their everyday lives. One coherent, cohesive message that can be parroted across the Administration, Congress, and in the states, is needed in order to keep these voters in the boat during the short-term rocky waters.
