U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined slightly as more Americans express concerns about the economy, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.
The six-day poll, ending Tuesday, showed 44% approval of Trump’s performance, down from 45% in a January 24-26 poll. Disapproval rose to 51%, up from 41% when he took office. Trump’s immigration policy remains popular, with 47% backing his approach to deportations.
However, economic concerns are growing. The share of Americans believing the economy is on the wrong track jumped to 53% from 43% in late January. Approval of Trump’s economic policies dropped to 39% from 43%. While still higher than former President Joe Biden’s final 34% rating on the economy, it’s well below Trump’s 53% approval in February 2017.
Only 32% approve of Trump’s handling of inflation, reflecting early disappointment after years of rising prices weakened Biden before last year’s election. Trump narrowly won the popular vote and defeated Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, in the Electoral College.
A U.S. Labor Department report showed consumer prices surged in January, with Americans paying more for goods and services. Inflation expectations have risen since Trump’s February 1 announcement of steep tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. Though tariffs on Mexico and Canada were delayed until March, new levies on steel and aluminum start March 12.
The poll found 54% oppose new tariffs on imports, while 41% support them. Tariffs on Chinese goods had slightly more backing, with 49% in favor and 47% against.
The Reuters/Ipsos online poll surveyed 4,145 U.S. adults nationwide, with a margin of error of about 2 percentage points.
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