Trust in Trump’s economic policies declines among Americans

In recent months, a significant portion of the American population has expressed skepticism regarding President Donald Trump's ability to enhance the U.S. economy. A new poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults predict that Trump's tariffs will lead to substantial price increases for consumers. Moreover, concerns about a looming recession have escalated, with around 50% of Americans reporting they are extremely or very worried about economic downturns in the near future. Despite the current state of the U.S. economy showing moderate inflation and an unemployment rate of 4.2%, public confidence has notably dipped. The approval rating for Trump’s economic management and trade negotiations hovers around 40%, reflecting a growing discontent among the electorate. This situation has been compounded by fluctuations in financial markets, where stock prices have fallen and interest charges on government bonds have risen, leading to apprehensions regarding the potential consequences on personal loans, mortgages, and student debt. As a response to these economic challenges, polling data indicates that more than half of Americans, specifically 52%, are against the imposition of tariffs on imported goods, an increase from prior months. This sentiment suggests a robust opposition to tariffs among the populace, with 60% of respondents feeling that Trump has overstepped in his tariff policies. Many individuals have started to critically assess the long-term implications of these tariffs on both the national and global economy. In addition to these findings, consumer confidence metrics have shown sharp declines, raising further concerns about future economic performance. Business leaders have also reacted to this uncertainty by withdrawing earnings guidance and seeking exemptions from these tariffs. This overall environment, which is increasingly viewed as adverse, leads many to feel that the ongoing tariff war may have detrimental effects not only within the United States but also globally, with individuals from various professions expressing anxiety over their financial futures.