Tariff poll: How much economic 'disruption' Americans will tolerate

A dozen states sue Trump administration over tariffs

At least a dozen states are suing the Trump administration to block its tariff policy.

WASHINGTON - There's growing skepticism among Americans about the benefits of tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump that he imposed on the country's trading partners. 

A Gallup poll showed that the majority believe tariffs will ultimately cost the U.S. more money than they generate.

By the numbers:

According to Gallup, most adults, 89%, think the tariffs are likely to result in higher prices on the products they buy.

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However, according to the poll, the public is evenly divided over the likelihood that the tariffs will bring more manufacturing jobs to the U.S. 

Canned soup and vegetables are displayed in a grocery store on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

On the political front, Republicans are more likely than Democrats and independents to say the tariffs will bring in more money to the U.S. than they cost and will create more manufacturing jobs at home. Also, many Republicans agree with Democrats and independents that tariffs will result in higher prices; however, Republicans are willing to tolerate the increased costs. 

Most Americans anticipate rising prices

Gallup said 70% of Americans generally think the new tariffs will cost the country more than they bring in from other countries in the short term.

On the flip side, 29% believe the tariffs will be a net revenue gain for the country. That percentage is broken down by a majority of Republicans, 63%, compared with 25% of independents and 4% of Democrats.

RELATED: Multiple states sue Trump over 'unlawful' tariffs

Gallup said 31% of U.S. adults said they would not accept any economic disruption at all from tariffs, while 68% would put up with at least a few months. 

Consumer spending rises in March ahead of tariffs

U.S. shoppers stepped up their shopping last month, spending more on big ticket items, like cars and electronics, before President Donald Trump’s new tariffs take effect. LiveNOW's Andy Mac spoke about how tariffs impact consumer spending with Barron's reporter Sabrina Escobar.

Those willing to tolerate some unease divide about evenly between accepting a few months (20%), up to a year (22%) or more than a year (26%) of financial pain.

Big picture view:

Researchers said many Americans are skeptical Trump's tariff plans will work out for the economic benefit of the country. 

The evidence is reflected in higher consumer prices and the fact that many question if the tariff will bring more manufacturing jobs to the U.S. Republicans do express more optimism than Democrats and independents. 

Americans are broadly skeptical that Trump’s recent wave of tariffs will yield meaningful economic benefits, particularly in the short term. Most expect the tariffs to lead to higher consumer prices, and few believe they will bring in more revenue than they cost, while about half think they will result in increased U.S. manufacturing jobs. In addition to higher prices, the disruption could include supply chain problems, reduced U.S. exports, business slowdowns, job losses and an economic recession.

Dig deeper:

Trump and tariffs 

Trump made no secret of his fondness for tariffs or his conviction that other countries were ripping off the United States in international trade. "I will impose across-the-board tariffs on most foreign-made goods," he said in the campaign.

He’s followed through, big time, though with frequently changing caveats.

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Trump began by escalating tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, ostensibly as punishment for allowing fentanyl into the U.S. Then he announced even more widespread taxes on foreign imports on April 2, part of what he described as "Liberation Day." Trump retreated from parts of that plan, choosing to pursue negotiations instead, but he left in place tariffs on China as high as 145%.

The stock market has whipsawed from the hefty import taxes and the erraticism in their application. Trump has shown more tolerance for market chaos than in his first term.