Trump’s Approval Ratings Dip Amid Inflation Worries and Policy Shifts: A Reuters/Ipsos Poll Analysis

A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey reveals a concerning trend for President Donald Trump, with only a third of Americans approving of his handling of the rising cost of living. This sentiment coincides with the implementation of significant tariffs on imported goods, fueling anxieties about potential inflation and its impact on the American public. The poll, conducted just before Trump’s scheduled address to a joint session of Congress, paints a picture of widespread unease across various policy domains, although some areas like immigration continue to garner comparatively stronger support.

The two-day poll, which concluded on Tuesday, indicates that Trump’s approval ratings hover below 40% on crucial issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and corruption. Immigration policy stands out as an exception, with 49% of respondents expressing approval. While Trump’s overall approval rating remains relatively stable at 44%, it’s crucial to note that this figure surpasses the approval levels seen by his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, during the latter half of his term from 2021 to 2025. This comparison underscores the persistent polarization of American politics and the enduring base of support for Trump despite the challenges he faces.

However, the specific issue of the cost of living appears to be a significant vulnerability for the Trump administration. The poll reveals that only 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of this critical aspect, a slight decline from 34% in a similar poll conducted in late February. This marginal decrease, coupled with the 54% disapproval rate, signals a growing dissatisfaction among Americans regarding the affordability of goods and services under Trump’s economic policies.

The introduction of steep tariffs on imports from key trading partners like Mexico, Canada, and China is contributing significantly to these concerns. The implementation of 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, along with 20% tariffs on Chinese goods, has triggered warnings from economists about the potential for increased inflation. These tariffs, intended to protect domestic industries and encourage American manufacturing, are feared to raise prices for consumers on a wide range of products, exacerbating the already existing anxieties about the cost of living.

It’s worth recalling that widespread dissatisfaction with several years of high inflation under the Biden administration played a crucial role in Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. This historical context makes the current inflation worries particularly sensitive for the Trump administration. Only 31% of those polled expressed agreement with the idea that tariffs would be beneficial even if they led to price increases.

Recent government reports have also highlighted the persistence of high inflation in January. Adjusting for rising prices, consumer spending has experienced its most significant decline since February 2021, indicating that Americans are already feeling the squeeze on their wallets. Moreover, the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs on gas prices and heating bills is a significant concern for many households. The prospect of higher energy costs further contributes to the unease surrounding the affordability of essential goods and services.

Beyond economic policy, the poll also sheds light on Americans’ perceptions of Trump’s foreign policy initiatives. His shift towards a closer relationship with Moscow and the cessation of military aid to Ukraine, which is currently defending itself from a full-scale Russian invasion, have generated considerable debate. The poll reveals a division among Americans regarding Trump’s proposal to condition Washington’s support for Ukraine on the U.S. receiving a share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. While 46% of respondents support this conditional approach, 50% oppose it.

Despite Trump’s apparent inclination to blame Ukraine for starting the war, the poll indicates that a majority of Americans hold Russia primarily responsible for the conflict. Approximately 70% of respondents, including three-quarters of Democrats and two-thirds of Republicans, agree that Russia bears more blame than Ukraine for initiating the war. This widespread consensus suggests a strong level of support for Ukraine within the American populace, despite Trump’s efforts to reframe the narrative.

Furthermore, Trump’s decision to appoint Elon Musk to lead an overhaul of the federal workforce, including the elimination of numerous civil service jobs, has sparked controversy. While the poll reveals broad support for downsizing the federal government, with 59% of respondents in favor, support for mass layoffs of civil service workers is considerably lower. Only 40% of those polled support the firing of tens of thousands of federal workers, while 57% oppose such measures, including a significant proportion of Republicans.

Concerns regarding the extent of the Musk-led program to cut government spending are also evident. Fifty percent of people polled, including one in five Republicans and four out of five Democrats, believe that Trump has gone too far with this initiative. This suggests a growing apprehension about the potential consequences of drastic cuts to government services and the impact on the livelihoods of federal employees.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online and nationwide, surveyed 1,174 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of three percentage points. This margin of error should be considered when interpreting the poll results, as it indicates the potential range within which the true population values may lie.

In conclusion, the Reuters/Ipsos poll provides a comprehensive snapshot of American public opinion on a range of critical issues facing the Trump administration. The findings reveal a decline in approval ratings related to the cost of living, driven by concerns about inflation resulting from the implementation of tariffs. While Trump maintains relatively strong overall approval ratings compared to his predecessor’s later years, the anxieties surrounding economic policies and controversial foreign policy decisions pose significant challenges for his administration. The poll results underscore the importance of addressing inflation concerns and communicating effectively with the American public about the potential impacts of economic policies on their daily lives. The divisions over foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, and the concerns surrounding the overhaul of the federal workforce, further highlight the need for careful consideration and nuanced approaches to these complex issues.