Americans Worried About Economy Under Trump's Policies
A recent CNN poll shows that 59% of Americans think President Donald Trump's policies have made the economy worse. This is a jump from 51% in March. People are not feeling good about the economy or the new trade policies, including tariffs, that the White House has introduced.
Negative Views on Tariffs and Economy
Many Americans are feeling the pinch with 60% saying that Trump's policies have raised the cost of living in their areas. Only 12% believe these policies have helped lower prices. With new tariffs affecting goods, particularly from China, 55% think Trump's tariff actions are bad policy.
Despite some Republicans hoping for long-term benefits from the tariffs, the overall sentiment is gloomy. About 69% of Americans fear an economic recession might happen next year. Additionally, only 34% feel optimistic about the economy, while a significant 37% are afraid of what's to come.
Public Concerns and Personal Impact
The poll also highlights how people are personally affected by the economy. For instance, a 59-year-old Republican from Georgia expressed concern about losing his life's savings due to market instability. Such personal stories show how deep economic worries run among the public.
When it comes to personal finances, 71% of Americans rate the economic conditions as poor, and 47% are just about satisfied with their own financial situation. These numbers have stayed quite steady over recent years.
Tariff Policies Stirring Uncertainty
Regarding Trump’s tariff policies, opinions are mostly negative. 72% think these policies will harm the U.S. economy in the short term, and 60% believe they will damage America’s global standing. Even among Republicans, while some hold out hope for future benefits, many acknowledge potential personal financial harm.
People are also worried about specific issues caused by economic policies. High costs and inflation are major concerns, with 28% mentioning inflation as a big problem for their families. New worries like tariffs and stock market instability are also on people’s minds.
Job Preferences and Industry Impact
Despite claims that tariffs might boost manufacturing jobs in the U.S., 73% of Americans would prefer office work over manufacturing jobs if the pay were the same. This preference is slightly less pronounced among men and Republicans, but the majority still favor office jobs.
For those working in industries affected by tariffs, like a Massachusetts man who makes board games, the impact is harsh. He mentioned that tariffs make it too expensive to meet preorders, threatening his business growth and job creation plans.
This CNN poll, conducted by SSRS from April 17-24, involved 1,678 adults nationwide. It used online and telephone interviews to gather opinions on the current economic policies and their effects on American lives.
