President Trump's Approval Ratings Plunge due to Trade Conflicts and Economic Anxieties

ICARO Media Group
Politics
31/05/2025 02h43

### Trump's Approval Ratings Dip Sharply Amid Escalating Trade Issues and Economic Concerns

The latest Yahoo News/YouGov poll reveals significant declines in President Trump's approval ratings, largely influenced by his contentious trade policies. The survey, which interviewed 1,560 U.S. adults from May 22 to May 27, paints a grim picture for Trump's administration during his second term, especially concerning tariffs and economic stewardship.

The backdrop for these findings includes a tumultuous economic landscape marred by erratic tariff policies, legal disputes, and fluctuating market conditions. On-again, off-again tariffs have peaked at 145%, sparking retaliatory measures from global allies and leading to increased stress for small-business owners and rising prices for American consumers. Such challenges have likely contributed to the growing disapproval of Trump's performance.

Trump's approval rating has seen a steady decline since November. Before the last election, 51% of Americans approved of his first term, whereas 43% disapproved. By March, those figures had flipped, with 50% expressing disapproval of his performance and only 44% showing approval. The trend continued into April, where the approval gap widened even further, showing 53% disapproval against 42% approval. The most recent poll demonstrates an even larger divide, with only 41% approving of Trump's job performance while 54% disapprove, placing him 13 points underwater.

When it comes to handling major issues, the poll indicates that more Americans disapprove of Trump's performance across the board. He faces two-point disapproval margins on immigration and eight-point margins on both government spending and the Russia-Ukraine war. Disapproval rises to nine points concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and 13 points when it comes to democracy.

However, the most significant gaps are seen in economic issues. Only 37% of respondents approve of Trump's handling of the economy, while 56% disapprove, creating a 19-point deficit. On trade and tariffs, the split is even more pronounced, with 35% approval against 57% disapproval. The cost of living issue hits hardest, where 32% approve while a substantial 59% disapprove, marking a 27-point gap.

The data indicates that 57% of Americans believe Trump has "gone too far" in raising tariffs on imported goods, compared to other policies such as cutting the federal workforce (51%), arresting and deporting immigrants (49%), and investigating political opponents (45%). Only a scant 4% think the president hasn’t gone far enough with tariffs.

As economic discontent grows, 40% of U.S. adults now rate the economy as "poor," a five-point increase from April. Among independents, this negative perception has surged by 10 points, from 35% to 45%. Overall, nearly three-quarters of Americans view the economy as fair or poor, with just 25% rating it as excellent or good.

Earlier this month, House Republicans passed Trump’s ambitious legislative package, which includes extensive tax cuts, reductions in social safety nets, and increased spending on border security and the military. However, only 28% approve of this federal budget while 41% disapprove and 31% remain unsure.

When informed about specific aspects of the bill, approval ratings for the budget remained steady at 31%. Yet, disapproval rose sharply to 55%, showing that increased awareness of the bill’s details influences public opposition.

The poll, with a margin of error of approximately 2.9%, underscores the mounting challenges President Trump faces in his second term, especially regarding economic issues that deeply affect everyday Americans.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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