Trump's tariffs draw fire at home and abroad amid economic fears, polls show

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent move to slap harsh tariffs on nearly all countries is facing growing backlash at home and across Western Europe, with polls showing broad disapproval of what he sees as a key step toward reviving American manufacturing.

Public sentiment in the U.S. reflects deepening skepticism toward Trump's trade and economic policies, according to a Wall Street Journal survey. The survey found that 54 percent of respondents oppose the tariffs. Meanwhile, 52 percent believe the American economy is worsening rather than improving. Disapproval of Trump's handling of inflation outpaced approval by 15 percentage points, while his overall economic management drew eight percentage points more negative than positive reviews.

Another poll by Reuters/Ipsos found that most Americans are worried about rising prices, with 73 percent of respondents expecting the cost of everyday items to increase. Seventy-seven percent anticipate higher prices for personal electronics, and 62 percent foresee a bump in home repairs over the next six months. 

The survey, conducted on Sunday, followed Trump's announcement of "reciprocal" tariffs  – a 10 percent baseline levy on all imports with rates up to 49 percent for targeted economies like China and Vietnam.

The tariffs, which took effect on Wednesday, have roiled global financial markets and were met with countermeasures from the EU, Canada and others. This transatlantic divide is further underscored by a YouGov poll revealing strong European public backing for retaliatory actions, even if such moves risk harming their own economies. 

Carried out in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK, the survey found that large majorities of respondents – ranging from 79 percent in Denmark to 56 percent in Italy – favored a tit-for-tat response. 

In Germany, 75 percent of those surveyed predicted that countermeasures would have a "lot" or "a fair amount" of negative impact on their national economy. According to the YouGov poll, this perception was shared by 71 percent in Spain, 70 percent in France and Italy, 62 percent in Sweden, 60 percent in the UK, and 50 percent in Denmark.

Public perception of the United States and Trump has also plummeted since his tariff maneuvers. In Brazil, 43 percent of those surveyed now hold unfavorable views of the U.S. president, compared to just 22 percent who view him positively, according to a poll released by Brazilian research firm Quaest on Tuesday. The survey reveals a striking reversal in attitudes. Negative opinions toward the U.S. surged to 41 percent in the latest findings, up sharply from 24 percent in March 2024. Over the same period, favorable views of the U.S. dropped from 58 percent to 44 percent.