Washington —A majority of Americans remain dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s handling of major domestic and global challenges, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll released this week.
The survey found that 56 percent disapprove of Trump’s overall performance, while 43 percent approve. On crime, 54 percent expressed dissatisfaction, and 64 percent disapproved of his tariff policies on imported goods. Despite these criticisms, 69 percent of respondents agreed that Trump is making fundamental changes to the country since returning to office as the 47th President in November last year.
Economic sentiment also appears bleak, with more than two-thirds of Americans rating the economy as “not so good” or “poor.” Trump’s administration has imposed steep tariffs on imports from India, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, and Vietnam, arguing that the measures would boost domestic manufacturing and job creation. India has faced the harshest tariffs, reaching 50 percent after penalties were levied for its oil trade with Russia.
Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, however, expressed optimism on Thursday, saying the Trump administration may withdraw the additional tariffs on Indian imports by November, which could help improve bilateral trade ties.
The poll also shows political headwinds for Republicans ahead of next year’s midterm elections, with 53 percent of respondents saying they would prefer Democrats in Congress to serve as a check on Trump’s power.
Despite Trump’s repeated pledges to crack down on crime, the public remains unconvinced. Following the Charlie Kirk murder case, Trump has suggested invoking the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) against left-wing groups he accuses of inciting violence. According to a CNN report, influential Republicans have backed this approach, with some advocating that rioting be formally included as an offense under racketeering laws.
