The sentiment of the American citizens towards their presidential officeholder is captured frequently in approval ratings. However, in a surprising turn of events, the second term of the dynamic and controversial President Trump sees no signs of loss in momentum. Despite the high cost of basic commodities such as eggs and a spate of abrupt governmental layoffs, Trump managed to retain a steady approval rating during the early months, even hitting his record highest numbers in both terms.
However, the American opinion seems to be turning sour with relentless tariffs and incessant trade combats, fearing the looming dark clouds of potential recession. Boldy embarking on an unprecedented global trade war, Trump disclosed plans of implementing at least a 10% tariff rate for all countries and dramatically amplified rates for some trade blocs a week ago.
Unsurprisingly, China bore the brunt with an astronomical 54% total tariff, compelling them to reciprocate with tariffs on American goods- a move replicated by other affected nations. Rasmussen Reports daily poll indicated that Trump’s job approval rating enjoyed a comfortable perch over 50% since his swear-in, until a dramatic turn around on April 3, right after the blanket tariff declaration.
The approval rating thereafter started a downward spiral every day to the current 47%, with a 51% disapproval rate. The most recent poll by Harvard CAPS/Harris displayed similar trends, showing that 49% of voters vouched for Trump’s job performance, a drop from the 52% from the previous month’s same poll.
Regardless of the slight dip, his favorability polls maintain a higher average over the 46% disapproval rate. Interestingly, the poll also illustrated that more than half of the voters presume Trump’s performance in the office outshines that of his predecessor, ex-President Joe Biden, although this figure dipped from 58% last month to 54%.
The freshest Reuters/Ipsos poll also shows a comparable pattern, marking a job performance approval rating for Trump at 42%, down from 45% a few weeks earlier. Still, the overall numbers stay more elevated than his first term and remarkably higher than what Biden tallied during most of his administration.
When the masses were inquired about their views on the general direction of the nation, only a meager 22% felt things were progressing right while a significant 61% believe they are veering off on a wrong track. However, when it came to the national economic and political scenario, the voters seemed more undecided and opted for a ‘wait and watch’ stance with about 30% feeling things were on the right trajectory, 53% on the wrong way and a good 17% uncertain.
The numbers reflecting the public opinion on areas of employment, job scenes, and inflation hovered around similar statistics. Surprisingly, Trump seems to corner some approval in terms of immigration policies direction with about 48% respondents supporting it as opposed to 44% in disagreement.
However, on the international scene concerning Russian relations and Ukraine engagements, Trump faced a significant disbelief, with 48% disapproval on the Russia-front and a similar 46% on the Ukraine aspect, with a large section still undetermined.
As far as tariffs were concerned, when presented with the statement ‘In general, when the U.S. charges tariffs on imported goods, American workers come out ahead’, the populace didn’t rally behind it. A noticeable 45% disagreed, while merely 31% agreed and a baffled 14% were ambivalent.
Vice President JD Vance, too, hasn’t been spared of the critical scrutiny, bagging only a mediocre 41% favorable view against a more pronounced 49% unfavorable opinion. RealClear Polling, which consolidates data from an array of 13 different pollsters, shows a similar dipping tide for Trump with favorability dropping to 47.5% against a disapproval rating of 49.9%.
Ongoing trade wars seem to be a pivotal turning point in the shifting public sentiment towards the presidential office. Despite maintaining steady figures at his term commencement, the introduction of tariffs signaled the start of decline, reflected in all major daily and monthly polls.
One strikingly consistent pattern found across polls was the misgivings about the general direction of our nation, reflecting a widespread apprehension about the future. The lower numbers for Biden could potentially stem from this underlying worry, an issue that the administration has failed to address effectively.
Moreover, the sharp decline in figures post-tariff announcement exposes the common American’s fears and uncertainties tied up with global trade wars. Increased tariffs, no matter how they are spun, are faced with suspicion and disdain by those whose livelihoods may be affected.
In conclusion, what we are witnessing is a shift in public sentiment that should provide an important signal to the administration. If jobs are considered the vital arteries of society, then trade wars and tariffs could become the clots that prevent the economy from thriving. The administration needs to tread more carefully if they intend to maintain public support.