Republicans rally behind Trump as most Americans expect higher prices from tariffs – The Times of India

US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff plans have triggered growing anxiety among Americans, with many blaming his policies for worsening economic conditions, even as most Republicans continue to back his strategy.
According to a CBS News/YouGov poll, the country remains sharply divided on whether Trump has a clear plan, with 91% of Republicans convinced he does, while 84% of Democrats and 57% of Independents say otherwise.
Despite the partisan gap, there’s widespread agreement on at least one issue, the tariffs are expected to raise prices in the short term.
As per CBS News, a large majority of Americans fear Trump’s trade moves will increase the cost of everyday goods, a concern that’s particularly strong in today’s inflation-weary climate. As one respondent put it, “Everything’s already more expensive, now it feels like we’re getting hit twice.”
In terms of Trump’s economic approval, the outlook has darkened. Only 44% now approve of his handling of the economy, while 56% disapprove, marking a 7-point shift from March, according to The Hill.
The same CBS News poll showed a jump in the number of Americans who feel worse off financially, rising from 42% in March to 49% in April.
Still, many Americans do support Trump’s trade goals, even if they disapprove of his methods.
51% of respondents favour his aim of bringing jobs back to the US and securing fairer trade dealsthough only 37% approve of how he’s handling the issue. The support remains strongest among Republicans, 85% of whom believe the tariffs will eventually boost US jobs, far more than the 43% of Independents or 20% of Democrats who agree.
Trump’s economic agenda has already jolted financial markets. After a dramatic sell-off early last week following the announcement of a flat 10% tariff on all imports, the administration paused most new tariffs by midweek, though a 145% levy on Chinese goods remains in place.
According to The Hill, US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick later clarified that a temporary exemption for electronics from China may be revoked, signalling more duties ahead.
Amidst this uncertainty, 59% of Americans believe the tariffs are a negotiating tactic and will eventually be lifted. Still, only 34% think the tariffs will help the economy long-term, while 42% expect them to make things worse.
The partisan split is clear, most Republicans say the economy is improving, attributing it largely to Trump. But Democrats and independents, who make up a sizable portion of the broader electorate, remain unconvinced.
As per CBS News, the public now largely views the current economy as Trump’s, not President Biden’s. Roughly 54% say his policies are responsible for the way things are today.