Special Poll
A new poll shows that a growing number of Americans are feeling uneasy about President Trump’s handling of the economy, particularly as his administration pushes forward with a wave of aggressive trade policies and sweeping regulatory changes on imports and exports.
According to the CBS News survey, 52 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s management of the economy, compared to 49 percent who approve. When it comes to the more specific issue of inflation a persistent concern for working-class households 56 percent disapprove of the way Trump is handling it, while 44 percent approve.
The poll comes on the heels of Trump’s latest announcement to impose a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made cars and auto parts, a move he claims will bolster domestic manufacturing. But the data suggests that many Americans see things differently: 55 percent said Trump is focusing “too much” on tariffs, while only 38 percent said he’s focusing the “right amount.” Just 7 percent felt the president isn’t focused enough on tariffs.
Even more telling, a large majority of Americans are urging the administration to turn its attention to lowering prices a top concern across all demographics. 64 percent said Trump isn’t putting enough effort into controlling prices, while just 31 percent believe he’s giving the issue the right amount of focus. A mere 5 percent think he’s focusing on prices too much.
Despite the current state of inflation and economic uncertainty, some Americans still point the finger at Trump’s predecessor. When asked who is more responsible for the current inflation rate, 38 percent blamed former President Biden, while 34 percent blamed Trump. Another 19 percent said both were equally to blame, and 9 percent said neither were at fault.
While Trump’s numbers on the economy continue to face headwinds, his administration is receiving relatively strong marks on immigration. According to the poll, 56 percent of respondents approve of how the Trump White House is handling immigration, while 44 percent disapprove a rare bright spot in otherwise turbulent approval ratings.
The results underscore a complex political moment for the president. On one hand, he remains popular with segments of the electorate for his hardline immigration stance and his “America First” economic rhetoric. But on the other, the public is increasingly frustrated with rising prices, continued inflation, and a perceived overemphasis on tariffs all of which are starting to erode confidence in Trump’s economic leadership.
With the president expected to announce a fresh wave of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners this week, critics are warning that the administration may be doubling down on a strategy that many voters no longer support. The CBS News poll, which surveyed 2,609 U.S. adults between March 27–28 and has a margin of error of ±2.3 percent, sends a clear message: Americans are feeling the economic squeeze, and they want solutions not just trade battles.