Trump’s tariffs drew criticism from U.S. adults, surveyed businesses and international officials, but the reactions were not unanimous. The nine examples below come from three distinct moments: the April 2025 tariff announcement, a 2025 business survey and public-opinion reporting in 2026. Poll results and warnings show what people said or expected; they do not, by themselves, prove what tariffs did to prices or the economy.
U.S. adults questioned Trump’s tariff and trade-policy judgment
Pew Research Center’s survey, fielded March 23–29, 2026, asked U.S. adults about two related but separate issues. The results point to skepticism about the president’s approach, not a single measure of public opinion about every tariff or its economic effects.
1. Little confidence in his handling of tariffs
In the March survey, 63% of U.S. adults said they had little or no confidence in President Donald Trump’s handling of tariff policy. Pew’s report describes confidence in handling tariffs specifically.
2. Doubts about trade-policy decisions
In a separate question, 58% said they had little or no confidence in Trump making good decisions about U.S. trade policy. That question is broader than tariff handling, so its result should not be combined with the 63% figure.
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Pew reported in February 2026 that views of the administration’s tariff increases had been relatively stable since April 2025, when Trump announced the far-reaching policy. This is a description of the pattern over time, not a claim that an exact percentage stayed unchanged. Pew’s February report covers that trend.
Businesses reported caution after the April 2025 announcement
4. A more guarded business outlook
After the April 2, 2025 announcement, the International Chamber of Commerce surveyed 448 companies in 68 countries. More than 70% reported heightened caution or a more pessimistic outlook for the coming 6–12 months, according to the ICC survey. This records respondents’ expectations; it is not a tally of losses caused by tariffs, nor does the sample represent every company worldwide.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned of economic risks
Speaking after the April 2025 announcement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the policy and outlined risks she believed it posed. These were her assessments and forecasts, reported by NPR on April 3—not verified outcomes in that report.
5. A “major blow to the world economy”
Von der Leyen described the tariff move as a “major blow to the world economy,” according to NPR’s report.
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6. A warning about consumer costs
She warned that the policy would saddle consumers around the world with higher inflation, medical costs and grocery bills. The statement expressed her forecast about possible consequences, rather than reporting that those increases had already occurred.
7. Concern about uncertainty for businesses
Von der Leyen also warned that businesses could face greater uncertainty, disrupted supply chains and more bureaucracy. Her comments tied these risks to the tariff announcement and its potential effects on cross-border commerce.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.2026 reporting showed concern about prices—and a supporter’s view
8. Tariffs featured in wider concern about high prices
In October 2026, AP-NORC coverage centered on Americans blaming Trump for high prices and his economic approval reaching a new low. The reporting placed tariff concerns within a broader cost-of-living discussion; it does not establish that tariffs alone caused high prices. The AP-NORC report reflects that framing.
9. One respondent said tariffs were necessary
The same October coverage included an individual in the automotive industry who supported tariffs and viewed them as necessary. That person’s view is a useful counterpoint to the criticism, but it is an anecdote—not a measure of how many Americans support the policy.
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Quick Recap
How to read these reactions
- Keep the dates attached. The official’s warnings followed the April 2025 announcement; the ICC measured business sentiment after it; Pew’s confidence figures came from a survey fielded in March 2026; AP-NORC’s coverage came in October 2026.
- Distinguish what was measured. Pew asked about confidence in tariff handling and trade decisions. The ICC asked companies about their outlook. Von der Leyen offered warnings, while the AP-NORC story included an individual supporter.
- Do not treat sentiment as an economic result. A poll can show confidence or disapproval, and a company survey can show caution. Neither alone establishes the effect of tariffs on household budgets, business performance or prices.
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