Trump’s Approval Climbs Amid Controversial Tariffs: Are Americans Embracing Economic Risk?
As President Donald Trump nears his first 100 days in office, the conversation in Washington and Wall Street has been dominated by one question: how are Americans responding to his aggressive economic agenda?
While global markets reacted with uncertainty to his sweeping new tariffs, recent polling suggests a surprising trend—Trump’s popularity at home is rising, driven largely by voters’ perception that he is putting U.S. business first.
Rising Approval Ratings
A poll conducted by DailyMail.com and J.L. Partners between March 31 and April 3 found that Trump’s approval rating had jumped to 53 percent, up from 49 percent the previous week. The boost comes amid widespread debate over tariffs and trade policy, suggesting that voters are reacting positively to his bold, if controversial, approach.
Notably, the gains are not limited to traditional Republican strongholds. Young voters aged 18–29 showed a 13-point increase in support, Democrats and independents registered a six-point rise, and approval among Black voters surged 17 points in just one week.
The Tariff Factor
At the heart of Trump’s domestic popularity appears to be his stance on tariffs. Despite criticism abroad, many Americans view his tariffs as a protective measure for U.S. industry.
Universal 10% Import Tariff: 36% favor, 28% oppose, with the remainder undecided.
Targeted Tariffs: Goods like steel, iron, plastics, precious metals, and aircraft have seen growing domestic support.
Internationally, some nations are engaging in negotiations in response to Trump’s measures.
The Vietnamese government, for instance, expressed willingness to cut tariffs “down to zero” in exchange for an agreement with Washington, a move Trump hailed as “very productive,” and which briefly lifted U.S.-listed company shares such as Nike by more than 4 percent.
Business Community Responds
Trump’s early focus on the economy is resonating strongly with small business owners and industry leaders.
TaChelle Lawson, founder of FIG Strategy & Consulting, praised the administration’s economic clarity:
“He came in with a very clear plan, focusing on economics. He’s putting business first and trimming the fat. Small business owners understand and respect that.”
Similarly, a survey of over 50,000 small business owners by RedBalloon and PublicSquare found that two-thirds anticipate economic growth this year—a sharp reversal from earlier pessimism.
Andrew Crapuchettes, CEO of RedBalloon, described the U.S. economy as “very sick” but suggested Trump’s policies are the “strong medicine” needed for recovery. Michael Seifert, CEO of PublicSquare, emphasized that reducing overregulation and red tape has resonated deeply with entrepreneurs, many of whom see it as a signal that Washington is finally listening.
The Broader Implications
While domestic approval is on the rise, experts caution that the long-term consequences of aggressive tariffs remain uncertain. Global markets continue to react to trade tensions, and economic analysts warn that short-term popularity gains may not offset potential costs such as higher consumer prices or retaliatory measures from trade partners.
Yet, for many voters, the political signal is clear: Trump’s willingness to take bold action and champion American businesses is a strength, even if it comes with risk.
Conclusion
As the first 100 days of the Trump administration approach, polling suggests a paradox: the president’s controversial tariffs, while unsettling global markets, are boosting his domestic approval.
Americans appear willing to embrace his assertive approach, trusting that prioritizing U.S. industry will ultimately benefit the nation.
For supporters, Trump has delivered on his promise to “put business first.” For critics, the surge in popularity signals a broader tolerance for high-stakes economic maneuvers, raising questions about whether the gamble will pay off in the long term.