Trump's Tariff Policy May Be His Downfall in Midterm Elections
Donald Trump's tariff policy may be his downfall in the midterms. In 2016, his support for tariffs helped propel him to a shocking electoral victory, but now it seems to be tanking Republican support in 2026.
The costs of the tariffs have been widely dispersed among people who don't directly benefit from protectionism, leading to widespread discontent. The Yale Budget Lab estimates that households are paying around $1,000 more per year due to the tariffs.
A poll conducted by the libertarian Cato Institute and Morning Consult found that 74% of Americans believe the tariffs have increased their prices, including 66% of Republicans. Fifty-three percent say the tariffs have weakened the economy, and 49% claim they've hurt their quality of life.
The latest trade spat with Canada has further eroded support for the tariffs, with 56% of Americans opposing them in a Politico/Public First poll. Even some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump's tariff policy, particularly those with strong ties to Canadian trade.