Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Historic Low: Economic Policies and Tariff Disputes Take Center Stage
The latest polls reveal a startling trend: President Donald Trump’s approval ratings during his second term have plummeted to the lowest level for any U.S. president in 80 years at this stage of their tenure. The primary culprits? Widespread voter dissatisfaction with his economic policies and controversial tariff measures. By late April 2025, Trump’s overall approval had dipped to around 40%, down from roughly 50% at the start of his term, with economic issues driving the sharpest decline. This downward spiral isn’t just a blip—it’s a full-blown crisis with implications for markets, midterm elections, and the GOP’s future.
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The Freefall: How Bad Is It, Really?
Trump’s approval ratings aren’t just slipping—they’re in freefall. From a post-inauguration high of 52%, his numbers cratered to 45% within weeks and now hover near 40%. To put that in perspective, no modern president has seen such a rapid drop at this point in their term. The bleeding is most severe among two key groups: his die-hard base and politically disengaged voters. Among those who *”strongly”* supported him, approval fell from 37% to 31%, while non-voters from 2024 abandoned ship en masse, with support dropping from 44% to 31%.
Independent voters, often the deciding factor in elections, are also jumping ship. Their approval of Trump nosedived from 41% in January to 36% by April, while disapproval spiked from 46% to 58%. Even more telling? Opposition is hardening—48% now *”strongly disapprove”* of his performance, up from 40%. These numbers suggest a erosion of trust that goes beyond typical partisan grumbling.
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The Economy: From Trump’s Strength to His Achilles’ Heel
Trump rode into office on promises of economic revival, but voter confidence in his stewardship is crumbling. Approval of his economic agenda slid from 42% to 37%, while faith in his handling of the economy dropped 14 points since the 2024 election. Here’s why:
1. Tariffs Backfire: A Self-Inflicted Wound
On April 2, 2025, Trump signed an executive order imposing *”reciprocal tariffs”* on global trade partners—a move that backfired spectacularly. A staggering 59% of Americans opposed the hikes, with only 39% in favor. The policy also deepened partisan divides: 70% of Republicans cheered it, while 90% of Democrats revolted. Nearly half (49%) of respondents warned the tariffs would harm workers, fuel inflation, and destabilize the economy.
The fallout was immediate. Markets recoiled, triggering the worst sell-off since 2020. Industries like tourism (a $1.3 trillion sector employing 15 million people) took direct hits, with inbound travel dropping 12% in March. Auto giants like Ford announced price hikes set for July, further straining consumers.
2. Inflation Fears and Market Jitters
Remember *”Make America Great Again”*? Voters aren’t seeing it. A majority (54%) now believe the economy is worsening—up from 37% in January—with 49% bracing for darker days ahead. Economists blame Trump’s trade wars and public feuds with the Federal Reserve for reigniting inflation, the very issue that dominated the 2024 election. His threats to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell only added to the chaos, leaving investors wary and two-thirds of Americans anxious about stocks.
3. Industries in the Crosshairs
From agriculture to manufacturing, Trump’s policies are alienating traditional GOP allies. Farmers, once staunch supporters, face retaliatory tariffs abroad. Meanwhile, tech and retail sectors warn of supply-chain snarls. As AEI scholar James Pethokoukis quipped, *”The president promised a golden age, but instead, what’s up is down and what’s down is up.”*
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The Political Fallout: Protests, Midterm Risks, and a Weakened GOP
The discontent isn’t confined to polls. On April 19, protests erupted in New York, D.C., and other cities, targeting Trump’s immigration crackdowns and federal workforce cuts. Critics accuse his *”Efficiency Department”* (a pet project to shrink government) of overreach, calling it *”unconstitutional.”*
Historically, Trump’s 45% average approval in his second term’s first quarter is the worst for any postwar president—far below Biden’s 2021 numbers. This spells trouble for the 2026 midterms: if trends hold, Republicans could lose House and Senate seats as Democrats weaponize economic angst. *”Trump’s entire brand was fixing the economy,”* notes Hart Research’s Jay Campbell. *”Now, even his base sees cracks in the foundation.”*
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Can Trump Turn It Around?
The path forward is riddled with contradictions:
– Trade Policy Quagmire: While Trump boasts of *”imminent”* deals with China, negotiations drag on, and tariffs keep biting.
– Inflation Paradox: His policies risk spiking prices—the opposite of his campaign vows.
– Base Erosion: Core supporters—small businesses, farmers, and Wall Street—are growing restless.
Without a course correction, Trump’s slump could redefine his legacy. In a nation where *”It’s the economy, stupid”* remains the golden rule, his survival hinges on delivering tangible wins—fast. Otherwise, the *”Spending Sleuth”* might just crack the case wide open: the real conspiracy isn’t voter fraud—it’s a presidency running on empty.
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