Trump Touts UK Trade Deal Amidst Slipping Approval Ratings
President Donald Trump is actively promoting the recently announced trade agreement with the United Kingdom as a significant achievement and the first of many such deals to come. This announcement arrives on the heels of the president’s implementation of broad tariffs on numerous nations, a move that sparked concerns about a potential trade war.
While some observers have characterized the UK agreement as merely an initial step requiring further negotiation, Trump has insisted on its comprehensive nature. "This is a very big deal…this is a maxed-out deal that we’re going to make bigger," he proclaimed, emphasizing his vision for expanding the agreement’s scope in the future.
The financial markets responded positively to the news, with stock markets experiencing an upswing following the announcement. However, for a president striving to advance a substantial agenda through Congress, the political ramifications of the trade deal are arguably even more critical.
Unfortunately for Trump, his approval ratings have been trending downward since his return to the White House three and a half months prior. Current national polling data indicates that his approval ratings are largely "underwater," signifying that a greater percentage of Americans disapprove of his performance than approve.
Several factors are contributing to this decline in Trump’s popularity. Heightened concerns surrounding the economy and inflation are particularly prominent, mirroring the issues that plagued former President Joe Biden’s approval ratings throughout much of his term.
Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs is a key driver of these economic anxieties. The tariffs have ignited trade tensions with major trading partners, leading to market volatility and increasing fears of an impending recession.
The majority of recent national polls reflect this negative sentiment, showing Trump’s approval ratings in unfavorable territory compared to his initial standing upon entering his second term. An average of these surveys indicates that his approval rating is underwater by approximately six percentage points.
A recent Fox News national poll, conducted between April 18-21, placed Trump’s approval rating at 44% with a disapproval rating of 55%. Furthermore, his approval ratings on specific economic issues were even lower, registering at 38% for the economy overall and a mere 33% for inflation and tariffs.
Despite these challenges, some observers see the UK trade deal as a potential turning point. Veteran Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams described it as a "positive first step," acknowledging the potential for such deals to positively influence public perception. Williams also noted the strong correlation between Trump’s approval ratings and the overall health of the economy.
In the past, Trump has expressed confidence in his negotiating abilities, boasting about the eagerness of other nations to make deals. He referenced discussions about his tariffs, saying that those countries were "calling us up, kissing my a–. They are dying to make a deal. ‘Please, please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything, sir!’"
The UK agreement provides Trump with an opportunity to demonstrate the tangible results of his trade policies. While critics may downplay its significance, the deal represents a concrete achievement that could help to bolster his image and address concerns about his economic leadership.
As Williams pointed out, Trump "will be given a period of time to execute deals to prove that his plans are working." The agreement with the UK serves as "a sign that some of the work has been going on behind the scenes thus and is starting to bear fruit."
Ultimately, the success of Trump’s trade agenda will depend on his ability to secure further agreements and demonstrate a positive impact on the American economy. He will need to "back it up with more," as Williams emphasized, to solidify the gains made with the UK deal and restore confidence in his economic policies.
The UK trade deal, therefore, is not merely an isolated achievement but a crucial step in Trump’s broader strategy to reshape global trade relationships and revitalize the American economy. Its political impact will be closely watched as Trump seeks to regain public trust and advance his agenda in the face of declining approval ratings. This is a start for the president to get more approval and push more deal.
