President Donald Trump’s approval rating has increased since he unleashed a wave of new tariffs on America’s trading partners.
According to new polling from The Daily Mail, Trump’s approval rating has risen to 53%, an increase of 4%, between 31 March and 3 April.
As The Mail notes, Trump’s rising approval rating is surprising given the flak the White House has received over the tariff order signed Wednesday.”
Support among 18-29 year olds is up a whopping 13% since 7 March, and 17% among black voters since last week.
Trump has also seen a 6% increase among Democrats and independents.
With regard to his tariff policy in particular, the polling suggests more Americans support than oppose it. The same was also true for his policy of increasing tariffs.
Voters also broadly support tariffs that touch specific sectors like aviation, plastics, precious metals, and iron and steel.
The 10% baseline tariff took effect at 12.01 am ET on Saturday and represents “the single biggest trade action of our lifetime,” according to former White House trade adviser Kelly Ann Shaw.
Among the countries subject to the 10% tariff are Australia, Britain, Colombia, Argentina, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
At 12.01am ET on Wednesday, Trump’s higher “reciprocal” tariff rates, varying from 11% to 50%, will take effect. Imports from the European Union will face a 20% tariff, while Chinese goods will be subject to an additional 34% tariff, bringing the total Trump has imposed on China to 54%.
Canada and Mexico are exempt from Trump’s latest duties because they remain subject to an earlier 25% tariff related to the fentanyl and illegal immigration crises. Trump is also excluding goods subject to separate 25% national-security tariffs, which include steel and aluminum, cars, trucks and auto parts.
The new tariffs are expected to force foreign countries to the negotiating table. Vietnam, which was hit with one of the highest tariff rates—46%—has already agreed to discuss new trade terms with Trump.
Trump’s announcement of the tariffs on Wednesday sent out a global shockwave, causing a record two-day decline in stock-market value of $5 trillion. Prices for oil and commodities plummeted, as investors sought a measure of safety in government bonds.
