There is a lot of confusion about Trump’s plan.
President Donald Trump’s bold push to restore American manufacturing with sweeping tariffs on foreign imports is drawing mixed reactions. But despite media chatter and public debate, one thing remains clear: voters still trust Trump more than Joe Biden on the economy and the border.
According to a new CBS/YouGov poll, 55% of Americans feel Trump may be focusing too much on tariffs, while 64% say he should put more emphasis on lowering everyday prices. However, when it comes to assigning blame for inflation, a plurality of voters point the finger at former President Biden — not Trump.
Inflation Still a Top Concern for Seniors and Working Families
Even as core inflation has cooled slightly from the Biden-era peak, prices remain more than 23% higher than pre-pandemic levels. In February alone, costs jumped another 0.4%, with core inflation rising 2.8% year-over-year — higher than expected.
Many retirees and families living on fixed incomes continue to feel the pinch. Essential goods like groceries, gasoline, and utility bills remain stubbornly high, a pain point that resonates deeply with older voters.
Trump’s Tariff Plan: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?
President Trump has framed his tariff policy as a “patriotic sacrifice” designed to bring critical industries back home. Recent actions include:
- A 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars and auto parts
- A 25% blanket tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico
- A 20% tariff on Chinese imports
While critics warn this could raise prices in the short run, Trump supporters argue that it’s a small price to pay for economic independence and American job creation.
🔔 What to Watch: Trump is expected to roll out another wave of tariffs on April 2, dubbing it “Liberation Day” — a move aimed at enforcing reciprocal trade policies with global partners.
Strong Support for Trump’s Border Security Agenda
Where Trump shines the most in polling is immigration and border security. The CBS poll found:
- 53% of Americans approve of Trump’s immigration policies
- 58% support his aggressive deportation efforts
- Border crossings have plummeted, from 256,000 in February 2024 to just 29,000 in February 2025
Trump’s bold use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport violent gang members, including Venezuelan nationals, to high-security prisons in El Salvador, is earning high marks among voters concerned about safety and sovereignty.
Economic Trust: Voters Still Prefer Trump Over Biden
Even though 52% of Americans currently disapprove of Trump’s economic handling, that number reflects shifting expectations — not lost support. In fact:
- 38% still blame Biden for inflation
- Only 34% blame Trump, despite headlines about tariffs
- 19% blame both equally
Trump has pointed to successes like the recent drop in egg prices, down to $3 a dozen, as proof that his policies are beginning to work. He highlighted this during his recent address to Congress, promising more relief ahead.
Bottom Line: Americans Want Results — and Remember Who Brought Them Before
Trump’s approval rating stands at a solid 50%, with strong backing among conservatives, independents, and older Americans. While voters want to see more progress on everyday costs, they continue to trust President Trump’s leadership on the key issues of inflation, immigration, and national economic security.
The CBS/YouGov poll surveyed 2,609 U.S. adults on March 27–28 and has a margin of error of ±2.3%.
✅ What This Means for You: If you’re a small business owner, retiree, or family budgeter, Trump’s policies — particularly around tariffs and manufacturing — could have long-term benefits, even if there’s some short-term friction.