Most Americans unhappy with Donald Trump’s policies; 60% oppose tariffs: Poll

Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s policies on trade and immigration: Survey

• 65% disapprove of Trump's inflation and tariff management
• Trump's overall disapproval rating stands at 60 percent
• Americans show limited trust in both Trump and Democrats

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A new US national survey shows broad public dissatisfaction with how Donald Trump is handling key issues, including inflation, tariffs, and foreign policy, even as voters remain divided over whether Democrats would perform any better.

The ABC News/The Washington Post/Ipsos poll, conducted via Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel from February 12–17 among more than 2,500 adults, was carried out shortly before the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s earlier global tariffs on February 20.

Widespread disapproval on core issues

According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) disapprove of Trump’s handling of inflation. About 64% express dissatisfaction with his approach to tariffs on imported goods, while 62% disapprove of his management of US relations with other countries.

On domestic matters, 58% disapprove of how immigration is being handled, and 57% are unhappy with his stewardship of the overall economy. On none of the six issues tested did the president secure majority approval.

His strongest numbers came on the situation at the US-Mexico border, where 47% approve of his handling, and 50% disapprove, still a net negative rating.

Deep partisan divides

The findings reveal sharp political splits. Majorities of Democrats and independents disapprove of Trump’s performance across all issues surveyed. Republicans are more divided.

Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, 54% identify as supporters of the MAGA movement, while 42% do not. The majority of MAGA-aligned Republicans approve of Trump’s performance on all six issues.

In contrast, non-MAGA Republicans largely disapprove of his handling of inflation, tariffs, and foreign relations, though they are more supportive of his approach to border security, immigration, and the economy.

Overall, Trump’s disapproval rating stands at 60%, matching the level recorded when he left office in January 2021 and marking one of the highest disapproval figures of his current term.

Limited trust in Democrats

Despite Trump’s low approval ratings, Americans are not overwhelmingly turning to Democrats in Congress as an alternative. When asked who they trust more to address the country’s biggest challenges, 33% chose Trump, 31% selected Democrats, and 31% said “neither.”

The data suggest broad frustration with both major political parties.

Concerns over economy, trust, and leadership

Public sentiment on the economy remains subdued. Nearly half of respondents said economic conditions have worsened since Trump took office, while roughly three in ten believe conditions have improved. Just 22% reported being financially better off, with most saying their situation is unchanged or worse.

The poll also highlights concerns about leadership and integrity. More than half of Americans questioned whether Trump has the mental sharpness required for the presidency, and about half expressed doubts about his physical fitness for office. Roughly seven in ten respondents said they do not view him as honest or trustworthy, and a majority believe he has exceeded his legal authority.

On specific policy matters, most Americans oppose reducing recommended childhood vaccines and are wary of deploying the US military to force political change abroad. The survey paints a picture of a politically polarized electorate, with dissatisfaction extending across party lines and limited confidence in either side’s ability to resolve the country’s most pressing challenges.