Trump’s Approval Ratings Hit Historic Lows Amid Tariff Fallout

President Trump’s public approval has taken a sharp downturn, according to five major polls released Sunday, including one that marks the lowest rating for a new president since World War II.

New surveys from CBS, ABC/Washington Post, NBC, CNN, and the New York Times show a steep decline in Trump’s public support, coinciding with his recent push for tariffs targeting America’s largest trading partners.

In an effort to calm public concerns, Trump has promised that the tariffs will eventually lead to lower income taxes for Americans and spur a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing.
“When Tariffs cut in, many people’s Income Taxes will be substantially reduced, maybe even completely eliminated,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Focus will be on people making less than $200,000 a year. Also, massive numbers of jobs are already being created, with new plants and factories currently being built or planned. It will be a BONANZA.”

Despite negative polling, Trump continues to outperform Democrats on several key issues and retains overwhelming support among Republican voters, holding nearly 90% approval within the party.

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey found Trump’s approval rating at 39%, with 55% disapproving — the lowest recorded at a president’s 100-day milestone since 1945. For comparison, the same poll rated Trump at 42% eight years ago. Former President Joe Biden, by contrast, maintained stronger approval numbers until the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Additional polls corroborate the downward trend: CBS News/YouGov and NBC News each report Trump’s approval at 45%, while the New York Times/Siena College places it at 42%, and CNN registers him at 41% — the weakest showing at this early stage since Dwight Eisenhower in 1953. NBC’s poll reveals 42% of Americans strongly disapprove of Trump, with only 26% strongly approving.

Public skepticism toward Trump’s tariff strategy appears to be a major factor in the downturn. His economic approval stands at 39%, only marginally above Biden’s figure from a year prior. Nevertheless, Trump continues to hold a substantial advantage over congressional Democrats, who languish at a mere 30% approval.

Trump has conceded that his aggressive trade policies have made people “yippy,” but insists they are essential for reviving American manufacturing and ensuring long-term economic prosperity.

Still, polls indicate a deeply divided public: NBC found just 39% support Trump’s handling of trade. CBS/YouGov polling also shows waning enthusiasm for tariffs, with support slipping from 52% last November to 41% now.

Economic concerns loom large: CBS/YouGov reports that 48% of adults feel worse off financially under Trump’s policies, while only 19% say they are better off. Similarly, NBC polling shows 34% feel their finances have declined, compared to 22% who feel improved.

One relative bright spot for Trump remains immigration policy. NBC shows him at a 49% approval rating in this area, while CBS/YouGov reports that 56% back his administration’s deportation efforts.

Trump is slated to celebrate the 100-day milestone of his second term with a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, on Tuesday.