‘Getting Worse’: Majority of Americans Think Economy is in Decline Under President Trump
April 15, 2025
President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, which initially sent shockwaves through Wall Street, appear to be having a broader impact on the American public. A new poll indicates growing pessimism about the economy under his leadership, extending far beyond the financial sector and into the everyday lives of average Americans.
Dismal Economic Outlook
A recent CBS/YouGov poll revealed that a significant portion of the U.S. population believes the economy is deteriorating in the early stages of Trump’s second term. According to the poll, 53% of respondents feel the economy is “getting worse” under President Trump. Furthermore,a majority anticipate either a slowdown or a full-blown recession within the next year.
“The majority of Americans think that the economy is getting worse,”
— Harry Enten, CBS News
This sentiment marks a notable shift in public opinion since the November election. As CBS News’ Harry Enten noted, “It’s an 11-point jump from November to now, and of course Donald Trump won the 2024 election because he promised to fix the economy.”
Disapproval of Trump’s Economic Handling
The poll also highlighted increasing disapproval of President Trump’s handling of the economy. A substantial 56% of respondents disapprove, a rise from 49% in March. This dissatisfaction appears to be closely linked to the governance’s trade policies, particularly tariffs.
Nearly 60% of those surveyed expressed opposition to new tariffs on U.S. imports. A significant 65% anticipate that these tariffs will negatively impact the economy in the short term, while 42% foresee long-term negative consequences. In contrast, only 8% believe tariffs will improve the economy immediately, and 34% expect a positive effect over time.
Blame Shifting to the President
The polling data indicates a change in who Americans hold responsible for the perceived economic weakness. For the first time this term, a majority of respondents are blaming the current president for the lackluster economic performance. This shift in accountability could have significant political implications moving forward.
Potential Impact and Analysis
The growing economic anxiety among Americans,coupled with disapproval of the President’s handling of the economy,presents a significant challenge for the Trump administration. The effectiveness of his economic policies, particularly tariffs, is being questioned by a majority of the population.
The impact of tariffs on specific sectors, such as manufacturing and agriculture, is a key area of concern. For instance, tariffs on imported steel and aluminum could raise costs for U.S. manufacturers, possibly leading to job losses. Similarly, retaliatory tariffs from other countries could harm American farmers by reducing export markets for their products.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding trade policy can discourage investment and slow economic growth. Businesses may postpone or cancel expansion plans if they are unsure about the future cost of imported materials or their access to foreign markets.
| Economic Indicator | Current Sentiment | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence | Decreasing | Reduced spending, slower growth |
| business Investment | Stagnant/Cautious | Delayed expansion, job creation hindered |
| Trade Balance | Worsening | Increased trade deficit, pressure on domestic industries |
