Polls Show Majority of Americans Concerned About Economic Direction Under Trump’s Second Term

Nearly 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, new polling suggests that a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with his handling of the economy, Business Insider reports.

Multiple surveys conducted in April reveal that concerns about inflation, tariffs, and market volatility have weighed heavily on public opinion. In the latest Washington Post-Ipsos survey, 61% of adults disapproved of Trump’s management of the economy, while 53% said the economy has worsened since he returned to office. Only 21% of respondents believed the economy had improved.

Trump’s approach to trade, including the imposition of new tariffs, has been a particular point of contention. The survey found that 64% of adults disapproved of his handling of tariffs, and 67% expressed dissatisfaction with his response to stock market instability.

Similarly, a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted in late April found that 58% of Americans disapproved of Trump’s economic leadership. Inflation, a major focus of Trump’s campaign against former President Joe Biden, has emerged as a key concern, with 62% of adults disapproving of Trump’s performance on the issue and just 28% saying the economy is improving.

A New York Times/Siena College survey echoed these sentiments, with 50% of registered voters indicating that Trump’s actions have made the economy worse. Another 27% said conditions have remained about the same, while only 21% believed the economy has improved. Trump’s overall job approval in that poll stood at 42%, with 54% disapproval.

Criticism has not been limited to Democrats. Some Republican lawmakers have also voiced concerns about Trump’s broad authority over tariff policies, and bipartisan efforts to limit that authority have gained support in the Senate.

Economists and supply chain experts warn that Trump’s confrontational trade strategy could lead to higher consumer prices and reduced product availability if continued. Earlier this month, Trump imposed widespread tariffs, but subsequently announced a 90-day pause for some countries. His 10% baseline tariff remains in effect, as do targeted tariffs on Chinese imports, contributing to ongoing trade tensions.