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A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a slight dip in US President Donald Trump’s approval rating, as more Americans express concern over the direction of the economy and his controversial tariff policies. The six-day poll, which concluded on Tuesday, found that 44% of Americans approved of Trump’s presidency, down from 45% in a similar survey conducted just weeks earlier in late January. This represents a slight decline from his approval rating of 47% in the days following his return to the White House after his victory in the 2024 elections.
The most notable shift in the poll was the increase in the percentage of Americans who disapprove of Trump’s performance as president, which has risen to 51%—up significantly from 41% shortly after he took office. This drop in approval coincides with rising public concerns about the state of the US economy, a key issue that Trump has focused on during his presidency.
Economic Concerns on the Rise
A major factor contributing to the drop in Trump’s approval rating is the growing dissatisfaction with his economic policies. The latest poll revealed that 53% of Americans believe the economy is heading in the wrong direction, a significant increase from 43% in the January 24-26 survey. Public approval of Trump’s handling of the economy also saw a decline, dropping to 39% from 43% in the previous poll. This shift is concerning for Trump, as economic growth has long been considered a cornerstone of his political strength.
Trump’s economic approval rating remains higher than that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who ended his presidency with a 34% approval rating on economic issues. However, Trump’s current rating of 39% is considerably lower than the 53% approval he enjoyed on economic matters during his first month in office in February 2017.
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Concerns Over Inflation and Tariff Policies
Inflation continues to be a significant issue for Americans, with only 32% of respondents approving of Trump’s handling of rising prices. This marks a notable decline from earlier in his presidency, indicating potential frustration among the public regarding his efforts to manage inflation. A report from the US Labour Department in January showed that consumer prices had risen sharply, marking the largest increase in nearly 1.5 years. Many Americans are now grappling with higher costs for everyday goods and services.
Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada has added to the uncertainty surrounding the economy. While tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been delayed until March, Trump’s plan to impose new duties on imported steel and aluminum starting on March 12 is already causing concern. Many Americans fear that these tariffs could further raise prices on goods, adding to inflationary pressures.
Public Opposition to Tariffs
The poll also revealed that a majority of Americans oppose Trump’s proposed tariff increases. Fifty-four percent of respondents expressed disapproval of new tariffs on imported goods, while 41% were in favor of them. However, the tariffs targeting Chinese goods garnered slightly more support, with 49% of respondents backing increased levies on Chinese imports, compared to 47% who were opposed.
These numbers suggest that while there is some support for tariffs aimed at specific countries like China, the broader public remains skeptical about the long-term benefits of such trade policies. The impact of tariffs on consumer prices and the potential for trade wars has led many Americans to question the wisdom of Trump’s approach to international trade.
Trump’s Immigration Policies Enjoy Approval
While Trump’s handling of economic issues has come under scrutiny, his stance on immigration continues to be a point of strength for his administration. The poll found that 47% of Americans approved of his immigration policies, which have included promises to increase deportations of migrants living in the country illegally. This figure has remained relatively stable since January, reflecting continued support for Trump’s tough stance on immigration.
A Challenging Road Ahead for Trump
As the 2024 election cycle progresses, Trump faces a challenging political environment. The dip in his approval ratings, especially concerning economic issues, suggests that public sentiment may be shifting. Despite his strong stance on immigration and other issues, his handling of inflation and economic growth could prove to be a significant obstacle as he prepares for a potential re-election campaign.
Trump’s tariffs, in particular, may continue to be a source of controversy. While they resonate with certain segments of the population, the broader economic impact—especially on consumer prices—remains uncertain. The public’s growing concerns about inflation and economic instability could undermine his standing among key voter groups, especially as new data continues to emerge showing the tangible effects of his policies.
