A recent survey conducted by campaign pollster Tony Fabrizio for The Wall Street Journal reveals that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen into negative territory.
The poll shows that only 46 percent of respondents approve of Trump’s overall job performance, while 51 percent disapprove. This survey was carried out in collaboration with Democratic pollster John Anzalone.
Why It Matters
Presidential approval ratings serve as an important indicator of public perception regarding the president’s performance.
A decline in Trump’s ratings could impact support from GOP lawmakers, hinder his ability to advance his policy initiatives, and affect the political climate as the midterm elections approach.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
What To Know
The poll, conducted for the Journal from March 27 to April 1, surveyed 1,500 registered voters via phone and text. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
Following Trump’s initial tariff implementations but prior to the announcement of extensive tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners, the survey found that 54 percent oppose the tariffs on imports while only 42 percent support them.
Additionally, 52 percent of respondents believe that the economy is declining, an increase from 37 percent in January.
Several recent polls have indicated a downward trend in Trump’s approval rating.
On Friday, his approval rating fell to negative territory for the first time in his second term according to Rasmussen, a polling firm typically seen as favorable to Republicans.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, published on Wednesday, recorded Trump’s approval rating at 43 percent, marking his lowest score since regaining office, a drop of 2 percentage points since March and down 4 points from 47 percent shortly after he resumed the presidency in January.
This decline correlates with market upheaval and heightened recession fears spurred by the tariff increases.
Nevertheless, Trump has stated he will not relent on his comprehensive tariff strategy unless there is a fair trade balance with other countries.
What People Are Saying
Democratic pollster John Anzalone remarked to the Journal: “American voters typically extend a president some grace at the beginning. They may experience high anxiety regarding his economic policies and tariffs while also indicating they want to take a cautious approach. I believe this encapsulates the current sentiment.”
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday: “Oil prices are down, interest rates are down (the slow-moving Fed should cut rates!), food prices are down, there is NO INFLATION, and the long-exploited USA is generating billions of dollars weekly from the countries that are taking advantage of us with existing tariffs.”
What’s Next
Trump’s approval rating is expected to continue to fluctuate as Americans feel the ramifications of the tariffs.
He remains steadfast regarding the tariffs, claiming they generate billions of dollars in revenue.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump defended his trade policies, asserting that tariffs are bringing in “billions of dollars a week” and insisting that there is “NO INFLATION,” even amid rising economic anxieties.
