Public mood shifts on Trump policies

A Pew survey shows growing negative views of Trump’s economic policies and governance, reflecting widening partisan divides.

Trump tariffs and big bill spark broad disapproval as approval slips

Pew Research Center released a national survey conducted Aug 4-10 among 3,554 U.S. adults. The poll shows President Donald Trump with 38% approval and 60% disapproval. Tariff policies attract 61% disapproval (38% approval), while the tax and spending law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill draws 46% disapproval and 32% approval (23% unsure). Republicans and Republican-leaning independents largely support the policies, while Democrats largely oppose them. The findings update the sense that major policy choices are shaping public opinion early in his second term.

The survey also asks how Trump affects the federal government. A 53% majority say he is making the government work worse, while 27% say better and 20% see a mixed effect. There are sharp partisan differences: 55% of Republicans and Republican leaners say he improves government, while 87% of Democrats say he worsens it. The survey also notes shifts in views since his inauguration, with fewer 2024 voters approving of his job performance than a year ago. On foreign policy, confidence in his ability to handle the Ukraine war remains mixed and shows a decline from last year. Fewer Americans now say he cares about ordinary people (37%), is a good role model (29%), or is mentally sharp (48%), even as 68% say he stands up for what he believes.

Taken together, the numbers spotlight a governance challenge for Trump. Policies that were rallying points still have loyal supporters, but the broader public is turning wary. Tariffs and the One Big Beautiful Bill look less like bold policy and more like tests of political staying power. The risk is not only a loss of votes but a widening gap between party loyalty and public trust.

Opponents may find air cover in these results because they document a durable public demand for accountability. Yet gains for the president’s allies are fragile; the base remains loyal in some segments, but independents and nonvoters show a cooling of enthusiasm. In a polarized climate, the administration faces a choice between defending the policy path and acknowledging public skepticism and adapting. The poll captures a moment that could shape the year ahead for both Trump and his opponents.

Highlights

Public sentiment is moving the debate from slogans to consequences.