A recent survey of U.S. adults reveals widespread discontent among Americans regarding President Donald Trump’s tariffs and their potential effects on consumer goods. The majority of reputable polls conducted since his April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement show a significant decline in his approval rating.
According to the surveys, 50% disapprove of Trump’s handling of foreign trade, while 39% approve. A CBS/YouGov poll found that 58% of U.S. adults oppose the new tariffs, with only 42% favoring them. The Reuters/Ipsos survey showed that 57% oppose the 10% minimum tariffs and 39% support them.
The concern among Americans is not just about the tariffs themselves but also the potential price increases they may lead to. Seven out of ten respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll believe that higher prices are likely, while four in five respondents in an Economist/YouGov survey think the same.
However, Trump’s supporters still see his goals for the tariffs as positive. Fifty-one percent of CBS/YouGov respondents like Trump’s objectives for the tariffs, which include returning manufacturing jobs to the U.S. and decreasing the U.S. trade deficit with other countries. But only 24% like his approach.
Interestingly, a significant number of Americans lack a basic understanding of tariffs. Thirty-two percent of Reuters/Ipsos poll respondents incorrectly stated that tariffs are taxes paid by the country exporting goods, when in reality they are taxes paid by U.S. importers to the government.
Overall, Trump’s approval rating has declined in recent surveys, ranging from a net -6 to net -12. While there is still some support for his policies, the overwhelming majority of Americans appear to be dissatisfied with his handling of tariffs and their potential effects on consumer goods.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/04/14/heres-what-polls-say-about-trumps-tariffs-as-americans-brace-for-higher-prices