Trump’s popularity slips among Republicans over trade policies

According to Politico, a joint exclusive poll by this American outlet and Public First found that Trump’s damaging trade policies have led to significant discontent among a large portion of his voters—an issue that poses a serious concern for Republicans preparing for the 2026 midterm elections.

The survey showed that one-fourth and nearly half of the American voters who supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election have expressed doubts about various aspects of his tariff policies, especially regarding China.

The findings indicate that only half of Trump’s voters believe that his tariffs on China—the world’s second-largest economy—benefit American companies, contrary to Trump’s claims that his trade policies, focused on boosting domestic manufacturing, would help U.S. businesses.

Politico wrote that this poll serves as a warning sign for Republicans, considering Trump’s continued focus on trade issues and his promises to bring industries back to the U.S.

In recent days, the former U.S. President has escalated trade tensions by sending letters to other countries, threatening them with new heavy tariffs.

Even before these threats, polls conducted in mid-June showed that Trump had already lost support among many of his followers due to his tariff policies. Although he had promised during the 2024 campaign to reduce the cost of goods, ongoing concerns about trade wars have raised fears of further global economic disruption and rising inflation—issues for which Trump and Republicans had long criticized former President Joe Biden.

According to the Politico/Public First poll, one in four self-identified Trump voters from the 2024 election said that the President’s tariffs harm America’s ability to negotiate better trade agreements with other nations. Additionally, 45% of respondents said Trump should have the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs on other countries, while 44% believe such decisions should require Congressional approval.