The debate over tariffs has been a contentious issue in the United States, with the Trump administration doubling down on its trade policies despite growing concerns over their impact on the economy. According to an exclusive survey conducted by the Harris Poll for The Guardian, seven in ten Americans believe that Donald Trump's tariffs have led to higher prices, with the majority of voters across party lines expressing negative views on the policy.
The survey's findings present a challenge for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, as voters from both parties have expressed dissatisfaction with the tariffs. The majority of all voters, 72%, believe that Trump's tariffs have had a negative impact, while 67% say that tariffs are not the right solution for improving the economy. As reported by The Guardian, these numbers reflect a broader trend of discontent with the administration's economic policies.
Despite the negative sentiment, Trump has made it clear that he intends to press ahead with more tariffs, even after a supreme court ruling curbed many of the levies he introduced last year. The president has long been a proponent of tariffs, calling them the "most beautiful" word in the dictionary. However, the survey suggests that this stance may be out of touch with the concerns of American consumers, who are experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store and elsewhere.
Economic Impacts
The survey found that 57% of Americans say that tariffs have negatively affected grocery prices, which is in line with recent economic data showing a 3.1% increase in grocery prices from February 2025 to February 2026. Beef and coffee, two industries highly affected by tariffs, have seen significant increases, with prices rising 14% and 18%, respectively.
While the majority of voters disapprove of Trump's tariffs, a clear partisan divide remains. A vast majority of Democrats, 81%, and independents, 68%, agree that tariffs are not the right solution for the economy, compared to 53% of Republicans who say the same. Republicans are also more optimistic about the economy overall, with nearly half, 49%, saying they believe the economy is getting better.
Partisan Divisions
The survey highlights the deep partisan divisions in the country, with conservatives more likely to support Trump's tariffs and liberals more likely to oppose them. A clear majority of Republicans, 69%, say that tariffs have brought back manufacturing jobs, while 46% of Democrats and 38% of independents believe that manufacturing jobs won't ever come back.
These divisions may pose a challenge for Republicans in the midterm elections, as they try to convince independent swing voters that their party has been attuned to the rising costs of living. When Trump won his re-election in 2024, a small but critical mass of independent-leaning voters showed up for him at the voting booth, but it remains to be seen whether they will continue to support him in the face of growing economic concerns.
Trump's Tariff Policy
Trump has been firm in his commitment to tariffs, despite the negative sentiment from voters. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, he wrote that "it was the tariff that made America strong and powerful in generations past and it is tariffs that are making our country stronger, safer and richer than ever before." However, the survey suggests that this stance may be out of touch with the concerns of American consumers.
Since February, Trump has announced a new 15% global baseline tariff that he plans to put in place, despite the court's ruling limiting the duration of the tariffs to 150 days. The White House has also opened trade investigations into foreign countries, a process that could lead to even more new tariffs. As the debate over tariffs continues, it remains to be seen how the policy will impact the economy and American consumers in the long run.
Conclusion
The survey's findings highlight the complex and contentious issue of tariffs, with voters from both parties expressing dissatisfaction with the policy. As the midterm elections approach, it remains to be seen how the debate over tariffs will play out and what impact it will have on the economy and American consumers. One thing is clear, however: the tariff toll is being felt across the country, and voters are taking notice.
