President Trump faces sharp nine-point drop in support as voters across the United States react to tariffs and financial uncertainty in his second term

As President Donald Trump hits the 100-day mark of his second term, his approval rating has seen a notable decline, marking the first drop in his popularity since returning to the White House.

The latest Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll shows his approval rating has fallen by nine points, dropping from 54 percent in mid-April to 45 percent this week.

This shift signals growing concerns among voters, particularly regarding the economic impact of his policies, especially tariffs.

Economic Concerns Stir Voter Doubts

Voters seem increasingly troubled by economic issues, many of which were crucial to Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the previous election.

A significant portion of the electorate—around 60 percent—now believes that the economy is either bad or getting worse, with rising prices and inflation leading the charge in voter dissatisfaction.

Even among Republicans, 49 percent share this pessimistic view.

One respondent, a GOP voter from California, expressed frustration over tariffs, warning that these policies could harm the economy in the future.

Despite these concerns, Trump still enjoys strong support from his base, particularly among white Americans, men, and Republicans, who continue to show approval rates of over 50 percent.

However, the polling data reveals that the international backlash to his bold tariff policies, coupled with market volatility, has caused significant erosion in his broader support base.

Polls Reflect Growing Voter Disillusionment

This latest dip in Trump’s approval rating is the first time since his inauguration that voters have expressed a more negative outlook.

The poll indicates that Trump’s policies—especially his tariff strategies—are drawing criticism.

In fact, when asked about the president’s biggest mistake, most voters pointed to his approach to tariffs, while his handling of immigration at the border was seen as one of his greatest successes.

Among the respondents, 55 percent disapproved of Trump’s performance, reflecting a widespread unease about his foreign trade policies.

This includes concerns that the administration’s inconsistent stance on tariffs has led to confusion and doubt about their effectiveness.

According to J.L. Partners pollster James Johnson, this shift is not so much about tariffs themselves but about the administration’s fluctuating approach, leaving voters uncertain about the long-term economic impact.

Trump’s Second Term and Public Perception

Trump’s second term has been marked by a series of unconventional actions that have disrupted Washington’s traditional political landscape.

From drastically cutting federal spending to making bold diplomatic moves, including proposals to take control of Greenland and Canada, Trump’s approach has been anything but typical.

On top of that, he has fiercely pursued a hardline stance on immigration, with the White House even displaying mugshots of arrested migrants to promote its crackdown.

Despite his continued support among core Republican voters, many Americans are expressing buyer’s remorse, with over 40 percent saying the first 100 days have been worse than they expected.

In contrast, only 32 percent felt the administration had performed better than anticipated.

Most Republican respondents, however, seem content with Trump’s actions, with six in ten expressing satisfaction with his performance so far.

Divisive Actions and Mixed Reviews

Across all voters, 56 percent acknowledged that Trump has largely followed through on his promises, but 59 percent criticized his actions as divisive.

While 66 percent of voters believe the president is showing them the Trump they’ve always known, only 27 percent feel his actions have been unifying.

This divisiveness, combined with concerns about economic policies, has prompted a significant portion of the electorate to reconsider their initial support for the president.

Voter Concerns About Tariffs and Financial Impact

A key issue highlighted by many voters is the impact of tariffs on their personal finances.

With inflation already putting a strain on household budgets, many are worried that the additional cost burden from tariffs will worsen their financial situation.

A female Republican from Oklahoma voiced concerns about rising prices, saying, “Americans are struggling already without having to pay more for everything they are buying.”

Other respondents noted that the tariffs have caused a dip in the stock market, hurting retirement savings.

Moreover, some voters expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of foreign relations, including his interactions with Vladimir Putin and his stance on the war in Ukraine.

While some believe that Trump’s policies may be on track, the negative impact on the economy has led many to question whether his approach is harming rather than helping the country.

The Road Ahead for Trump

In the wake of these concerns, it seems clear that Trump’s second term has sparked mixed feelings among voters.

While some continue to support his economic policies, others are beginning to feel the effects of these policies in their day-to-day lives.

The central issue remains the administration’s handling of tariffs and their broader economic implications, leaving many voters uncertain about what lies ahead.

As his approval ratings fluctuate, Trump faces the challenge of convincing a skeptical public that his policies are truly in their best interest.

The next steps for his administration will likely hinge on addressing these economic concerns and offering clearer answers on his approach to foreign trade.