Is Trump still winning with the working class?

Almost two weeks after his announcement of tariffs on “Liberation Day,” President Donald Trump has significantly lost the support of the majority of the American public. Polls indicate that his turbulent trade policy has damaged confidence in his economic management, leading to a decline in his economic approval ratings and overall popularity.

The public’s belief that Trump has failed to reduce prices or curb inflation lies at the core of this negative trend. Concerns that tariffs will only raise prices and harm the national economy could be expediting this decline.

New data sheds light on how this unpopularity is impacting the country’s political landscape. Is it also dragging down his party’s support among the diverse group of voters they attracted in 2024? And is this discontent causing these voters, especially young individuals and people of color, to abandon him?

Recent polls show a decline in Trump’s economic approval and overall ratings, with a 7-point drop since early March and a 6-point decrease since early February, respectively.

The Republican Party has managed to narrow the gap in a key Democratic advantage: When voters were asked which party they believe cares more about their needs and issues, Republicans and Democrats were virtually tied. This marks a significant departure from the past two decades, during which Democrats consistently held a double-digit lead on this question.

The evolving public perception of Trump’s tariffs and its impact on the GOP’s standing reveals a complex scenario. While there are indications that tariffs could further diminish Trump’s party standing with the public, there are also signs of enduring trust despite the chaos. Many still view Trump and the GOP as better advocates for the working class. On the other hand, there are positive prospects for Democrats aiming to leverage public economic discontent, along with a warning about their current standing with the electorate.

The data presents three perspectives on this situation, highlighting its intricacies and implications.