Trump poll numbers on economy fall during trade fight, surveys find
President Donald Trump's poll numbers on the economy have dropped as his administration negotiates trade policies involving significant tariffs, with 55% of Americans believing these policies have worsened economic conditions. A CNN poll indicates that 60% of Americans feel these policies have raised the cost of living, and 75% believe they will harm the economy in the short term. Despite this, Trump's administration advocates for these policies, emphasizing deregulation, energy independence, and tax cuts as key strategies to bolster the economy. White House officials argue that these measures are necessary to correct past economic missteps and restore economic prosperity. Meanwhile, Trump's approval ratings have dipped, with only 39% of Americans supporting his economic management as concerns about a potential recession grow.
A CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals that 55% of Americans think Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions, up from 51% in March, highlighting growing public concern over his economic strategies.
The same poll shows that 60% of Americans believe Trump's policies have increased the cost of living, while only 12% think they have decreased it, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with economic affordability.
According to the CNN poll, 75% of Americans expect Trump's tariffs to hurt the economy in the short term, with only 12% believing they will be beneficial, underscoring skepticism about the administration's trade approach.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defends Trump's economic record, citing his reelection as evidence of his successful economic policies, which include deregulation and energy independence initiatives.
Despite the administration's confidence, Trump's overall approval rating has fallen to 42%, with only 39% approving of his economic management, as fears of an impending recession persist among 69% of Americans.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledges market uncertainty due to Trump's strategic negotiation approach but insists the administration is working on securing better trade deals and making 2017 tax cuts permanent.
The administration maintains that their economic strategies are aimed at rectifying past economic policies that have disadvantaged the middle class, with ongoing efforts to restore what they describe as a 'golden age'.