Trump Faces Stinging Setback in Latest Poll

Analysts have increasingly warned that Americans now face increased uncertainty regarding trade policy. CNN analyst Harry Enten has argued that President Donald Trump’s erratic tariff strategy has fallen under significant scrutiny. Polling has reportedly indicated that 55% of voters believe Trump lacks a clear trade strategy—a figure that rises to 64% among independent voters.

The Trade Policy Uncertainty Index has surged by 846% compared to the previous year and currently stands at its highest level since record-keeping began in 1960. Enten said, “This is the one thing that perturbs voters and the markets more than anything else.”

Enten added, “It’s not whether or not you put tariffs on — it’s whether you’re going to actually do it and stick to your guns. The American public does not believe that Donald Trump sticks to his guns.”

Enten said, “We just are consistently breaking records this year.” Enten added, “It seems the further along we go, the more uncertainty there is in terms of the trade policy in this country.”

Market futures have fluctuated after Trump revoked a threat to impose 50% tariffs on the European Union, following an earlier proposal for reciprocal tariffs. Such inconsistencies have contributed to perceptions that Trump has not maintained a coherent approach to trade.

Enten said, “[Does] Trump [have] a clear plan for tariffs and trade? The majority answer here is no. No, Donald Trump does not have a clear plan for tariffs and trade. This is the one thing that perturbs voters in the markets more than anything else: it’s not whether or not you put tariffs on or not.”

Enten added, “55 percent say no, he does not have a clear plan for trade and tariffs.”

Enten said, “I will note, of course, the center of the electorate, the all-important independent vote, 64 percent of independents say no, Donald Trump does not have a clear plan for trade and tariffs, and I will note that this ‘no’ number has been creeping up.”

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.