Americans Blame Tariffs for 80% Recession Fears

Recent polling data reveals a significant level of concern among Americans regarding the state of the U.S. economy, with a substantial majority attributing their worries to the tariff policies implemented by the current administration. According to the poll, 80% of Americans are apprehensive about the U.S. economy potentially entering a recession due to these tariff measures. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of declining confidence in the economic policies of the Trump administration, with nearly 75% of U.S. adults expressing worry about an impending recession.

The tariff policies, in particular, have drawn widespread disapproval, with a record 55% of respondents believing that tariffs are detrimental to the economy. This disapproval is further underscored by the fact that 72% of voters think that Trump's tariffs on all U.S. trading partners would hurt the economy in the short term. The economic concerns are not limited to the potential for a recession. About half of Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the possibility of the U.S. economy going into a recession in the next few months. This concern is compounded by the belief that tariffs will lead to higher prices for consumers. More than half of the respondents, 56%, indicated that the retooling of the economy by the administration has exacerbated their worries.

The partisan divide on economic issues is also evident, with a sharp decline in confidence among voters who are traditionally supportive of the administration's policies. The tariff policies have also been criticized for their potential impact on jobs. A plurality of respondents, 44%, believe that tariffs hurt U.S. jobs, while only 36% think they help. This sentiment is particularly concerning given the ongoing trade war with China, which two-thirds of respondents worry could have significant negative consequences for the U.S. economy. The economic policies of the administration have also led to a historic low in economic confidence, with poll numbers showing a sharp decline in confidence among voters.

The concerns about the economy are not isolated to tariff policies. Inflation, political divisions, healthcare, and government spending are also ranked higher than a recession in terms of public concern. However, the tariff policies remain a central point of contention, with a majority of voters believing that they will have a negative impact on the economy in the short term. The administration's economic policies have drawn widespread disapproval, with a significant portion of the public expressing worry about the potential for a recession and the impact of tariffs on jobs and prices.