New poll reveals American views on Trump’s actions and war in Ukraine
Photo: Trump's approval rating is 44% (Getty Images)
Trump’s approval rating on key issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and corruption falls below 40%. Respondents consider Russia the aggressor and reacted coolly to the attempt to impose a raw materials deal on Ukraine, a Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals.
Overall, 44% of Americans approve of Trump’s actions, a figure that has remained stable. However, only one-third approve of his efforts to lower the cost of living in the US. This reflects concerns over his high tariffs on imports, which have stoked inflation worries.
The two-day poll was conducted just before Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
'Moscow pivot'
Trump has shifted toward closer ties with Moscow and halted military aid to Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The poll revealed that Americans are divided on Trump’s plan to condition US support for Ukraine on receiving a share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. About 46% of respondents supported linking aid to the deal, while 50% opposed the idea.
While Trump blames Ukraine for starting the war, Americans largely see Russia as the aggressor. Around 70% of respondents - including three-quarters of Democrats and two-thirds of Republicans - agreed that Russia is more responsible for starting the war than Ukraine.
Trade war
The poll found that only 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s actions to lower the cost of living, down three percentage points from 34% in a previous survey conducted February 21-23. Meanwhile, 54% disapprove.
Trump quickly moved to reshape America’s global trade relationships, imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and 20% tariffs on Chinese goods.
Economists warn that these tariffs will exacerbate inflation. Trump's 2024 election victory was partly driven by widespread frustration over years of high inflation under Joe Biden. However, only 31% of respondents agreed that tariffs are a good idea, even if they lead to higher prices.
Government reports last week indicated persistently high inflation in January. Adjusted for rising prices, consumer spending saw its largest drop since February 2021.
Elon Musk’s role
Trump also shook up the federal government by appointing Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, to oversee a major restructuring of the federal workforce, including significant public sector job cuts in the first weeks of Trump’s presidency.
While the Reuters/Ipsos poll found broad support (59%) for reducing the federal government, support for mass layoffs of public servants was much lower. Only 40% of respondents supported firing tens of thousands of federal employees, while 57% opposed it.
Half of respondents said that Trump has gone too far with Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives in the public sector.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online nationwide, with 1,174 US adults participating, and had a margin of error of three percentage points.
Trump, in his March 4 speech to Congress, claimed he had received an important letter from Zelenskyy, stating that Ukraine is ready to negotiate for lasting peace.
A US-Ukraine minerals agreement fell apart after a controversial meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on February 28. The deal was expected to be signed on March 4, but it did not happen.
