Rasmussen Reports: Poll on Tariffs Shows Voters Favor Protecting U.S. Business

President Donald Trump’s tariff policy has ignited fierce debate, with critics decrying its supposed economic fallout, and supporters championing its intent to shield American industries witht he belief that the market selloff will only be tempoary. At the heart of the issues lies a clear priority: safeguarding U.S. manufacturing. While the approach may stir controversy, the goal resonates deeply with voters. Recent polling reveals a strong public appetite for protecting the nation’s businesses from foreign competition, a sentiment that has remained steady over the years.

According to Rasmussen Reports:

Forty-five percent (45%) of Likely U.S. Voters say the government doesn’t do enough to protect U.S. manufacturers and businesses from foreign competition, while only 17% think the government protects American business too much. Twenty-five percent (25%) think the current level of protection against foreign competition is about right, and 14% are not sure.

These findings are not substantially changed from 2018.

During a visit to a Michigan factory last month, Vice President J.D. Vance said: "If we do not protect our nation's manufacturers, we lose a fundamental part of who we are as a people. Making things, building things, working with our hands is America's heritage." Seventy-three percent (73%) of voters agree with that quote, including 41% who Strongly Agree. Only 21% disagree.

Despite what will likely be short term turmoil in the stock market, the percent of voters who say the country is on the right track has inched upward. 

It was 44% on March 18th, which put it in the 98th percentile in the last 19 years of their polling.

And as of yesterday, it increased slightly to 45%.