Former President Donald Trump is seeing a notable dip in his approval ratings as public discontent over tariffs and trade policies gains momentum. Recent polling suggests that a majority of Americans — including a significant portion of Republican voters — are expressing concern about the economic impact of escalating tariffs on foreign goods, particularly those from China and Mexico.
With Trump maintaining a strong presence in the 2024 GOP primary and hinting at another presidential run in 2028, the growing backlash over tariffs may have broader implications for his political future.
The Tariff Strategy That Sparked Discontent
Tariffs have been a cornerstone of Trump’s economic policy since his first term, aimed at reducing America’s trade deficit and pressuring other countries into fairer trade agreements. His administration imposed billions of dollars in tariffs on imports ranging from steel and aluminum to consumer electronics and agricultural products.
While Trump and his allies argued the move would revitalize American manufacturing and protect U.S. workers, the long-term effects have been more complex. Many businesses passed the cost of imported goods onto consumers, while others faced supply chain disruptions and retaliatory tariffs on American exports.
According to a report from the U.S. International Trade Commission, tariffs imposed between 2018 and 2020 reduced U.S. GDP by about 0.5%, with particularly hard hits to the agricultural and auto sectors.
Declining Approval Ratings
A new national poll conducted by Pew Research in April 2025 shows Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 39%, down from 46% in December 2024. When respondents were asked what drove their change in opinion, tariffs and trade policies ranked second only to concerns over election integrity.
Among independent voters — a key bloc in general elections — 62% said they view Trump’s tariff policies as “harmful” or “ineffective.” Even within Republican ranks, support is waning: only 55% of GOP voters now say they support Trump’s approach to trade, compared to 71% in 2020.
“It’s one thing to talk tough on China, but when groceries and appliances are costing families more, people start paying attention,” said political analyst Marsha Klein of the Brookings Institution.
Economic Fallout and Voter Sentiment
Recent spikes in consumer prices and continued instability in U.S. manufacturing sectors have only added to public frustration. Retailers and small business owners across the country are citing tariffs as a major contributor to higher operating costs and thinning profit margins.
“The prices for our supplies have gone up steadily since the first round of tariffs, and now we’re paying even more due to the new increases,” said Kevin Ellis, owner of a mid-sized construction supply company in Ohio. “We supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, but this trade war is killing us.”
In farming communities, where Trump previously enjoyed overwhelming support, attitudes are shifting. China’s retaliatory tariffs on American soybeans and pork have led to significant financial losses, prompting some rural voters to question their political loyalty.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture analysis from March 2025 estimates that trade-related losses in the farming sector have topped $12 billion since the original tariffs were imposed.
Political Reactions and GOP Divide
Within the Republican Party, there is growing division over whether to continue backing Trump’s protectionist approach or pivot toward more traditional free-market principles. Some Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, have publicly called for a review of current tariff policies.
“It’s time we reconsider whether these tariffs are serving the American people or simply fueling inflation,” said Sen. Scott during a recent committee hearing. “Conservatives believe in open markets and economic growth — not government interference that hurts our own businesses.”
However, Trump has doubled down on his strategy. At a recent rally in Michigan, he dismissed the criticism as “fake news from globalist elites” and vowed to expand tariffs further if re-elected.
“We’re going to tax every foreign company that takes advantage of the United States,” Trump told the crowd. “They’ve been ripping us off for decades — and I’m the only one tough enough to stop them.”
Looking Ahead to 2028
As Trump continues to weigh his political options, including a possible third campaign for the presidency, his stance on trade could either help solidify his base or alienate key voters in swing states.
The next few months will be crucial as he attempts to recapture support in the Midwest and Rust Belt regions — areas that once praised his protectionist message but are now feeling the economic pinch.
Analysts warn that if economic conditions worsen or inflation remains high, Trump’s approval could continue to slide. “Tariffs may play well in campaign speeches, but the reality on the ground is different,” said Klein. “If people are paying more at the pump and the grocery store, they’re not going to care about the rhetoric.”
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s approval ratings are taking a hit, and tariffs are a key reason. As the nation grapples with the economic consequences of aggressive trade policies, voters appear to be re-evaluating their stance on Trump’s legacy and future role in American politics.
Whether this marks a temporary dip or the start of a broader shift remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: tariffs are no longer a guaranteed political win.
For official information and trade impact reports, visit the U.S. International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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