56% of voters disapprove of Trump in the economy at risk of recession

A new CNN survey conducted by SSRs reveals that most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s economic management. With 56% disapproval on this front, this index is the worst of his mandate, reflecting the concern of voters with the impacts of the tariffs imposed by their administration. Nevertheless, Trump obtained record approval in his immigration policy with 51% support, driven by more rigorous inspection measures.

The party division is evident: while Republicans are ten times more likely to support Trump, Democrats express strong opposition. Its general approval rate is 45%, with 54% disapproval, a stability level. The general feeling about the country is also divided: only 35% of Americans believe the nation has been on the right track, although this number has increased since January.

The economy remains the main issue for Americans, with 42%pointing to it as its biggest concern, surpassing other topics such as democracy (19%), Federal Government (14%) and immigration (12%). Among Democrats, concern for the economy is secondary only to the situation of democracy, while for Republicans and independent, it is the absolute priority.

For 57% of respondents, Trump fails to approach the most urgent problems in the country.

Tariff Policy generates instability

Financial markets have reacted negatively to Trump’s tariffs, which have been causing uncertainties for companies and consumers. Trump’s trade policies are pointed out as an imminent risk. With recent steel and aluminum tariffs-followed by international retaliation-financial markets reacted with volatility: Nasdaq has been corrected, and S&P 500 approached the same destination.

CNN’s “Fear and Greed Index” indicates a climate of “extreme fear” on Wall Street, with investors concerned about the impacts of tariffs on economic growth. Analysts warn that the US resilient economy may be threatened by these protectionist measures, which can slow consumption and increase prices for consumers.

Experts warn of waterfall effects. Larry Summers, former treasury secretary, criticized tariffs as “self-inflicted wound” to the American industry. “Increase the price of essential inputs for US manufacturing industries-which employ 10 million people-that’s what a US opponent would do,” Summers posted at X Tuesday.

Already the White House defends the measure as “cut of taxes to the people”, arguing that it will bring jobs back. Meanwhile, economic predictions signal this quarter’s GDP recession.

Musk and government cuts share opinions

Trump has also faced resistance in his scheduling agenda in the federal government and the influence of Elon Musk on this policy. Trump’s partnership with Elon Musk, a billionaire appointed to lead changes in federal management, faces public rejection: 53% evaluate Musk negatively, and 60% question their ability to reform the government. Even among the president’s supporters, 28% doubt the judgment of the tycoon.

Only 35% of Americans have a favorable view of Musk. In addition, 62% of respondents fear that government cuts are excessive, resulting in the loss of essential programs. Cuts in federal agencies, driven by Musk, already impact jobs: sectors such as education and health have lost 28,000 vacancies in February. In contrast to 37% that believe that cuts are not enough to eliminate fraud and waste.

Impact on the economic future

The recent economic volatility raises questions about the sustainability of Trump’s policies. Consumer spending, which represent 70% of the US economy, gives signs of exhaustion, and the forecast of growth for the quarter suggests a contraction of 2.4%. Sectors such as retail and aviation already show signs of retraction, and economists warn of a growing risk of recession if economic uncertainty persists.

Walmart and Delta reviewed profits down, citing “economic uncertainty.” The retail sales index in March was the weakest since 2022, and consumer feeling has reached historical minimums with widespread leisure travel cancellations.

If Trump is looking for a “victory” with tariffs, his trade policy can shock the economy so severely that he would end the problem of inflation in the United States. As Javier Malei in Argentina, inflation falls because most no longer have money or job to buy anything.

Although Trump celebrates the fall in inflation (2.8%) and gasoline prices, analysts see fragile relief. “Inflation is like a fire: if it cool too much, it erases the economy,” explains Philippa Dunne, from Smooth Report. Goldman Sachs raised the risk of recession to 20%, while Larry Summers sees “real possibility” of crisis.

Trump inherited a resilient economy, but his chaotic commercial agenda – marked by unpredictable tariffs and radical cuts – threatens to transform growth into recession. While the president blames predecessors for bad news and boast of isolated indicators, the combination of deceleration in consumption, key sectors layoffs, and international retaliations press the US towards an abyss.

The CNN/SSRs survey, conducted March 6-9 with 1,206 adults (margin of ± 3.3 points), confirms: For most Americans, Trump’s economic legacy can be defined not by achievements, but by risks created by their own hands.