At 100 days of mandate, the voters of Donald Trump feel the effects of the tariffs, but most hope for a long-term win
At 100 days of mandate, the voters of Donald Trump feel the effects of the tariffs, but most hope for a long-term win. Among them are Steve Egan, a distributor of promotional products in Tampa, Florida, on which President Donald Trump's decision on April to increase China's rates even during a 5,000 -ray of rubber from a Chinese supplier, which has been canceled, Reuters reports.
Overnight, the cost per random increased from 29 to 45 cents, according to Egan. The client suspended the order, as well as other requests for thousands of products such as hats or poker chips.
“I have the impression that we returned to Covid, everything is suspended,” said Egan, 64, who voted for Trump in November. His sales in the first quarter of 2025 were 70% lower than the previous year, although in April they registered a slight return.
Trump's rates on global trading partners have affected the lives of many Americans, including those who voted for him. In a survey conducted by Reuters, 25 voters of Trump indicated the rates as the policy with the highest impact on them in the first 100 days of the administration.
Most of the 14 voters who mentioned the rates expect that, in the long term, they will create jobs in the manufacturing industry and to force more favorable commercial negotiations. However, a Reuters/Ipsos survey shows that only 37% of Americans approve of how Trump manages the economy, decreasing from 42% at the beginning of the term.
Economists warn that tariffs could trigger inflation, increase the risk of recession and cost US families thousands of dollars in higher prices.
Despite the immediate impact, most of the voters interviewed are willing to give Trump time for the effects of tariffs to materialize, from a few months to a few years.
Impact on work and personal savings
Jon Webber, employed at Walmart in Indiana, noticed a decrease in the value of his shares and a reduction in the sales of luxury products.
Ron Dailey, a car seller in the Denver area, noted a sudden increase in sales before the 25% tariff entry into car imports, but also a state of uncertainty among his colleagues.
Only 1 in 5 respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos survey said that the rates are beneficial to them personally.
Other noted policies
In addition to rates, voters also mentioned personnel discounts in federal agencies and strict immigration measures.
Among them, Joyce Kenney, 73, from Arizona, supported the deportation policies of the Trump administration. Amanda Taylor, 51, from Georgia, has expressed concern about the safety of her husband, federally employed, following the discounts applied by the newly established Department of Government Efificiency (Doge).
Patience or disappointment?
Some voters, such as Kate Mottl, secretary in a police department in the Chicago suburbs, are willing to give Trump the entire mandate to demonstrate their efficiency. Others, like Steve Egan, begin to regret the choice made.
“Yes, I voted for him, but then it seemed a better choice than the alternative,” Egan said. Due to the decrease in income and investment losses, its plans for withdrawal and purchase of a rural property have been postponed.
“Maybe I will break this purchase for a few months and I will see how things evolve during the summer,” he added. (News.ro)
