Disillusionment is spreading across the United States as more and more Americans become dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s economic policies. This is hardly surprising, given the impact of his sweeping tariffs. According to CNBC, a majority of Americans now disapprove of the president's economic agenda. Approval ratings for Trump's handling of the economy have plummeted to critical lows, marking the worst numbers of his presidency.
Frustration over tariff measures and rising inflation is mounting across the nation. The wave of optimism that accompanied Trump's re-election has evaporated, replaced by a growing sense that the economic outlook is the darkest it has been in the past two years. Pessimism has also taken root in the stock market.
A recent poll shows that only 44% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as president, while 51% disapprove. Furthermore, only 43% of respondents support his approach to economic policy, while 55% view it negatively.
The mood in the workplace is shifting as well. Although some have expressed positive views about Trump’s economic agenda, many workers are now voicing discontent. This has caused disapproval ratings to increase by 14 points.
Negative sentiment is intensifying: 49% of respondents expect the US economy to worsen in 2026, marking the highest level of pessimism since 2023. Donald Trump is rapidly losing support, even among Republicans. Above all, Americans are concerned about the impact of his tariff policy, which most respondents view as harmful to workers, inflation, and the broader economy.
Interestingly, when asked about foreign policy, the vast majority of Americans view Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and Japan as economic opportunities rather than threats. This public opinion, including among Republicans, contrasts with Trump’s antagonistic stance towards these trading partners. At the same time, the number of Americans viewing China as a threat has surged to 44%.
Previously, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick managed to persuade Trump to pause the rollout of new tariffs. According to The Wall Street Journal, they succeeded despite resistance from Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro, who reportedly "hovered around the Oval Office" during the debate.
