A new wave of polling shows a dramatic change in how Americans view tariffs. Once considered a strong economic weapon, tariffs are now facing broad rejection across the country. According to data analyst Harry Enten, public opinion has shifted quickly and powerfully, with opposition rising “like a rocket”.
Just a few months ago, the nation was almost evenly split. Back in November, around 52 percent of voters said they supported tariffs while 48 percent stood against them. But the new survey tells a very different story. Today, about three out of every five respondents say they oppose tariffs on imported goods. This represents a clear break from earlier sentiment and highlights a rare moment of near-unity in American politics.
Enten even compared the sudden reversal to sports, saying voters have turned against tariffs the same way college football pundits turned against Arch Manning after his recent struggles on the field.
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Short-Term Costs Driving the Backlash
The new poll shows that 77 percent of Americans believe tariffs raise prices right now. By contrast, only 4 percent think they actually reduce costs. This widespread belief is key to understanding the sudden backlash.
Even though Donald Trump has often admitted that tariffs could bring temporary pain, he has argued they would pay off in the long run. That argument appears to be losing ground with the public. The same survey revealed that 50 percent of respondents expect prices to climb in the long term too. Only about 25 percent believe the policy will eventually make goods cheaper.
This skepticism is hitting especially hard as households already face higher expenses on food, gas, and other essentials. People are linking tariffs to these price hikes, fueling frustration and anger. The polling data suggests this dissatisfaction is not just economic but also political, with growing disapproval tied directly to tariff policy.
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Court Ruling and Political Fallout
The political impact of the tariff debate is being felt at the highest levels. A recent national poll showed that tariffs and the broader economy are now the top reasons critics disapprove of Donald Trump’s performance. These concerns are adding more pressure as debates over trade policy intensify.
At the same time, a major legal development has made headlines. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that most of Trump’s tariffs exceeded his authority. While the decision challenges the cornerstone of his economic agenda, the measures will remain in place until October 14. The administration has already signaled plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
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A Court of Appeals checks if a president’s actions fit within the law. By ruling against the tariffs, judges said Trump overstepped his powers. The final word, however, could come from the Supreme Court.
On social media, Trump rejected the court’s decision as a “total disaster.” He argued that removing or reducing the duties would “literally destroy” the United States. In the same post, he stressed that “ALL TARIFFS ARE STILL IN EFFECT” for now.
Tariffs are meant to protect local industries by making foreign goods costlier. But they can also strain businesses that rely on imports and raise prices for families, which is why the policy often stirs controversy.
The mix of economic worries, polling backlash, and a high-profile legal battle has created a storm around one of the most defining policies of the administration. With tariffs still standing, both the economic and political ripple effects continue to unfold across the nation.