Majority of Americans fear Trump's tariffs will worsen inflation

In a recent poll conducted by ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos from April 18-22, 2025, a significant majority of Americans expressed their concerns regarding President Donald Trump's tariffs on international trade. The survey revealed that approximately 70% of respondents anticipate that these tariffs will exacerbate inflation in the United States, overshadowing any potential benefits that might arise from increased manufacturing employment. This sentiment is particularly strong among independents, with 75% of them projecting a negative impact on inflation. Interestingly, the disapproval regarding tariffs extends even among Republicans, with nearly half (47%) acknowledging that tariffs could adversely affect inflation. Among conservatives within his party, 30% disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs, indicating dissent from within his base on economic issues. Meanwhile, a substantial 90% of Democrats surveyed disapprove of Trump's approach, highlighting the partisan divide on this issue. Despite these overarching concerns, there is a slightly positive perception about the tariffs' potential to create manufacturing jobs. The poll found that 59% of Americans believe the tariffs could have a favorable impact on manufacturing employment, a sentiment shared by 90% of Republicans and 60% of independents. However, this is tempered by broader economic concerns, as a majority (56%) fear that Trump's tariff approach may negatively influence America's economic leadership globally, compared to only 42% who perceive a positive impact. The overall disapproval rating for Trump’s handling of tariffs stands at 64%, demonstrating a substantial 30-point deficit in approval. Given the prevailing concerns about inflation and economic stability, these opinions reveal a significant trend of skepticism among the electorate, particularly as it relates to their financial well-being. The polling reflects a growing unease surrounding the administration's trade policies and their implications for economic health in the United States, as conflicting views underscore the complexity of public sentiment on the matter.