Midterm Elections Focus on Affordability and Tariff Policies

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, affordability concerns are shaping Americans' views on trade and tariffs, according to a new CFR-Morning Consult poll. Seventy-five percent of Americans worry about affording food and groceries, with 83 percent of those concerned blaming tariffs for higher prices. The survey reveals deep divisions along party lines, with 65 percent of Republicans optimistic about the economy's future, compared to 63 percent of Democrats who expect it to worsen.

The poll highlights a split in perceptions of who bears the cost of tariffs: 41 percent believe Americans pay them, while 40 percent think foreigners do. A majority of respondents view traditional allies like Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the EU as fair trading partners. However, only a minority supports removing all tariffs on these nations. Americans also differ on what constitutes national security goods, with 42 percent defining them as items critical to military use or economic competition.

On China, opinions are mixed. While 40 percent consider China an unfair trading partner, 43 percent believe current tariffs of 23.2 percent are too high. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to argue that tariffs hurt consumers and household finances. The survey also reveals partisan differences in views on presidential trade authority, with 61 percent of Democrats opposing unilateral tariffs, compared to just 21 percent of Republicans.

The findings suggest that trade policy and tariffs will play a significant role in the midterm elections, with Americans' views heavily influenced by their political affiliations. The survey was conducted online between August 18 and 19, 2026, with a sample of 2,200 nationally representative adults.