Public Skepticism of Tariff Competence

A national Pew survey (March 23–29, 2026; n=3,507) finds a majority of Americans express little or no confidence in President Trump’s ability to make good decisions on trade (58%) and tariffs (63%). The data also show stark partisan and age divides — e.g., 84% of Republicans 50+ confident versus 92% of Democrats 50+ not confident — and modest year‑over‑year shifts in views of trade with China, Canada and Mexico. — Widespread public skepticism reduces political capital for aggressive tariff strategies and could affect electoral messaging, congressional cooperation, and foreign partners' reactions to U.S. trade moves.