Trump’s polling on economy slumps amid trade deals, reciprocal tariff talks

President Donald Trump’s poll numbers on the economy have taken a hit as his administration continues trade negotiations using his wide-ranging reciprocal tariffs approach. A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS between April 17-24 found that approximately 55% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions in the country, up from 51% in the previous poll. Additionally, 60% of Americans think Trump’s policies have affected the cost of living in their communities, with just 12% saying they have decreased the cost of living.

The poll also revealed that only 34% of Americans feel enthusiastic or optimistic about the economy, while 66% are pessimistic or afraid. A staggering 69% of Americans believe it is likely the U.S. economy will enter a recession in the next year. Furthermore, 75% of Americans think Trump’s tariffs policies will harm the U.S. economy in the short term, and 53% believe they will have a negative impact in the long term.

A separate NPR/PBS News/Marist poll conducted from April 21-23 found that 45% of Americans give Trump a failing grade as he marks his 100th day in office. The survey also revealed that 55% of respondents disapprove of how Trump is handling the economy.

Despite the negative poll numbers, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s economic policies, citing his past success with deregulation, energy independence, and tax cuts. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed Leavitt’s sentiments, stating that Trump is working to correct the mistakes of past administrations and create fair trade deals that benefit the American people.

Bessent also mentioned that the administration is working on a new bill to make the 2017 tax cuts permanent in an effort to bring stability to the markets. He acknowledged that Trump’s negotiation tactics may create uncertainty but emphasized that the goal is to secure the best possible deals for the American people.

In conclusion, despite the current challenges and negative poll numbers, the Trump administration remains committed to its economic agenda and believes that its policies will ultimately benefit the American people. As negotiations continue and new initiatives are introduced, the administration hopes to restore economic prosperity and create a more stable and prosperous future for all Americans.