Trade War With China Hurts Trump’s Popularity

Reported by EFE

Here Are the Details

President Donald Trump is doubling down on his aggressive tariff policy, sparking concern among American businesses.

And it’s beginning to negatively impact his popularity, according to several polls released this week.

The administration aims to finalize trade deals with most of its partners over the next month. However, the spotlight remains on the standoff with China.

This comes amid a trade war that has pushed U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods up to 145%, and to 10% for other countries, in effect through early July.

Trade War With China Hurts Trump’s Popularity

This chart outlines the root of the U.S.–China conflict and much of the reasoning behind the Trump Administration’s measures, which are driven by geopolitical and economic rivalry with Beijing. pic.twitter.com/hsjk8ywsli

– Pedro Baños Bajo (@Geoestratego) February 18, 2025

While the White House points to specific success stories—such as Ellwood Group, a metalworking company that saw a 30% sales increase last quarter—business leaders are showing growing concern.

A survey by Chief Executive magazine, polling over 300 CEOs, revealed widespread disagreement with the tariffs.

Even companies like Delta Airlines, which recently increased its profits sixfold, pulled their annual forecasts due to “tariff uncertainty.”

Delta CEO Ed Bastian referred to Trump’s trade policy as “skirmishes” that hinder economic growth.

Trump Faces Worst Approval Numbers Yet

U.S.–China tensions worry businesses and drag down Trump’s popularity. #ElNuevoDiarioRD pic.twitter.com/mjoqewftie

— El Nuevo Diario (@elnuevodiariord) April 20, 2025

Public discontent with Trump over topics beyond the trade war and tariffs is also mounting.

A CNBC poll released this Saturday shows the president facing his worst economic approval ratings since taking office:

55% disapprove of his economic management.

60% rate his handling of inflation as negative.

Direct Clash With Beijing

The conflict between the U.S. and China unsettles global businesses https://t.co/us9hwzgc1b

– ZonaCero (@Zonacero) April 20, 2025

Tensions with China escalated this week.

While Trump claims to be in talks with Chinese authorities to reach an agreement “in the coming weeks,” President Xi Jinping has been strengthening alliances during his tour of Southeast Asia.

Xi signed over one hundred agreements with nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia—all key U.S. trade partners and ASEAN members.

Vietnam, which faces a 46% tariff, signaled willingness to negotiate, although officials there note their economy “complements” the U.S. economy more than it competes with it.

In retaliation for Washington’s measures, Beijing maintains 125% tariffs on U.S. goods and has banned the purchase of Boeing aircraft.

Uncertainty Amid Brief Tariff Truce

On Thursday, the U.S. responded with new tariffs on ships built and operated by China, further deepening tensions.

Sources from The Wall Street Journal revealed that the current tariff truce was achieved through an unusual alliance between Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

They used the absence of trade adviser Peter Navarro to persuade Trump to temporarily ease his stance.

ALSO OF INTEREST: Protests Against Trump Sweep Across the U.S.