WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Just one in three Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living in the U.S., a sign of unease as he enacts steep tariffs on imports that are stoking inflation worries, a Reuters/Ipsos survey that concluded on Tuesday found.
The two-day poll, carried out just before the Republican president was due to address a joint session of Congress, showed Trump’s approval ratings below 40% on a range of issues – including the economy, foreign policy and corruption – with the notable exception being his 49% rating on immigration policy.
To be sure, the share of Americans who give him a thumbs up overall – steady at 44% – remains higher than the ratings achieved by his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, during the second half of his 2021-2025 administration.
The poll showed that 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, a marginal three percentage point decline from 34% in a poll conducted February 21-23. Fifty-four percent disapprove.
Trump has moved quickly to overhaul America’s relationships with the rest of the world, with steep 25% tariffs taking effect on Tuesday for Mexican and Canadian imports, as well as 20% tariffs on Chinese goods.
Economists say the tariffs will fuel inflation. Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election owed in part to widespread dissatisfaction at several years of high inflation under Biden. Only 31% of people polled agreed with a statement that tariffs would be a good idea even if prices increase.
