As inflation rises and tariff policies create global uncertainty, a new Marquette University Law School poll reveals that most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the U.S. economy. Read the full breakdown of public opinion and what it means for the administration.
Poll Shows Americans Wary of Trump’s Economic Stewardship
In May 2025, Marquette University Law School released a new national poll examining how Americans feel about President Donald Trump’s economic policies during his second term in office.
The results show that Trump’s approval ratings on the economy are deeply underwater, with a net economic approval rating of -16 percentage points. Only 42% of respondents said they approve of his economic leadership, while 58% disapprove.
These findings come as the U.S. navigates rising inflation, a volatile stock market, and international trade tensions driven largely by Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy.
Tariff Policies Receive Strong Public Backlash
One of the key issues hurting Trump’s economic image is his tariff policy. In the latest survey:
37% of Americans said they approve of how Trump is handling tariffs.
63% said they disapprove.
Trump’s tariffs have been a hot topic since he reintroduced sweeping trade actions on what he called “Liberation Day” in April. The president imposed new tariffs on several countries, triggering global economic concerns.
Soon after, Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most nations except China, but the pause has not reassured the public or markets. In fact, he later revealed that the U.S. would be unable to negotiate deals with more than 50 global trade partners, choosing instead to raise tariffs unilaterally in the coming weeks.
This move has added more confusion and concern to an already fragile global trading system, affecting consumer prices and business confidence.
Public Concern Over Inflation and Cost of Living
Another major factor behind Trump’s low economic approval is inflation. According to the May Marquette poll:
- Only 34% of respondents approve of Trump’s handling of inflation and cost of living.
- A significant 66% disapprove.
The public’s anxiety about rising prices is not new. Back in March, before the latest round of tariffs was introduced, Marquette found that:
58% of Americans believed Trump’s tariffs would hurt the economy.
Just 28% believed tariffs would help.
A matching 58% predicted higher inflation as a result of Trump’s economic approach, while 30% expected prices to fall.
These numbers show that public opinion has been consistently negative about Trump’s inflation-fighting policies even before their full impact has been felt.
Economy Was a Cornerstone of Trump’s Political Brand
During his campaigns and time in office, President Trump has positioned himself as a pro-business leader, promising to create jobs, grow the economy, and fight unfair trade practices.
His administration often highlights strong GDP growth and low unemployment from his first term as evidence of success. However, the second term has been marked by rising costs, complicated global trade tensions, and uneven economic confidence.
The disconnect between Trump’s messaging and public perception poses a serious challenge as he moves into the latter part of his presidency.
Trump’s Overall Approval Also Stagnant
Trump’s economic struggles are reflected in his broader approval ratings. The May Marquette poll found:
- 46% of Americans approve of Trump’s overall performance.
- 54% disapprove.
These numbers remain unchanged since the March survey, suggesting that recent economic developments have neither improved nor worsened his overall standing but have certainly kept public confidence low.
What This Means for Trump and the American Economy
The Marquette poll reveals a clear pattern: Americans are deeply skeptical of Trump’s handling of the economy, especially when it comes to:
Tariff policy
Inflation and the cost of living
Global trade negotiations
With the U.S. set to impose new tariffs on dozens of countries and inflation continuing to rise, it remains uncertain whether the administration can regain the trust of the American public.
If these trends continue, they could have major political implications not just for Trump’s presidency but also for upcoming congressional races and America’s position in the global economy.
Key Takeaways
Trump has a net -16 approval rating on the economy.
Only 37% support his handling of tariffs; 63% disapprove.
Just 34% back his inflation strategy; 66% disapprove.
Americans consistently fear that his economic policies will lead to higher inflation and a weaker economy.
His overall approval remains at 46%, unchanged since March.
