In a Never-Ending News Cycle, Trump’s Trade War with Canada Broke Through and is Unpopular
About seven-in-10 Americans (69%) have seen, read, or heard about President Trump imposing new tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada imposing retaliatory tariffs. The same amount (69%) are concerned about it, with 40% reporting they’re “very concerned.”
Support for further escalating the trade war with America’s neighbor to the north is low, with 30% supportive of Trump imposing additional tariffs on Canadian imports and 60% opposed. Nearly half (46%) are strongly opposed. Opposition cuts across partisan ideologies: 65% of independents and nearly a third (31%) of Republicans oppose additional tariffs, including 48% of non-MAGA Republicans.
Most Americans (59%) do not think Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports have been worth it. Opposition is intense, with 43% feeling “strongly” the tariffs have not been worth it. Only 29% think they have been worth it, including 55% of Republicans. More non-MAGA Republicans think these tariffs haven’t been worth it (46%) than worth it (40%).
Beyond the Trade War with Canada, Trump’s Tariffs are Not Popular
Nearly six-in-10 Americans (57%) are opposed to Trump’s tariff plan, with 46% strongly opposed. Opposition is highest among Black Americans (70% oppose) and Hispanic Americans (64% oppose) compared to 53% of white Americans. Sentiment hasn’t changed over the last year: in August 2025, 56% opposed Trump’s tariff plan and 38% were supportive.
Americans Think Tariffs Are Driving Up Cost of Their Groceries, Gas and More
Two-thirds (67%) of Americans think tariffs are driving up the cost of things they buy, including 41% who view tariffs as driving up these costs “a lot.” Only 10% see tariffs bringing down their costs. Half (49%) of Republicans and nearly two-thirds of independents (64%) view tariffs as raising their costs, along with 84% of Democrats. There are notable cracks within the GOP on tariffs as 61% of non-MAGA Republicans think tariffs are increasing their costs, and even four-in-10 (39%) MAGA Republicans think tariffs are cost-raising.
Groceries, food, and gas are the top items viewed as having become more expensive due to Trump’s tariff policy. “Everything” was also a top response.
Tariffs Are Not Bringing Manufacturing Back
Trump has attempted to build support for his tariff policy by saying it will encourage companies to build factories in the U.S. and bring back manufacturing jobs, but most Americans disagree. 53% do not think tariffs have brought manufacturing back to the U.S. while 32% think they have helped. 60% of Republicans think the tariffs have helped U.S. manufacturing, but one-in-four (25%) do not. Independents are especially skeptical as 55% do not think tariffs have helped bring manufacturing back and only 16% think they have.
Democrats have a Trust Advantage on Tariffs Over Republicans
A plurality (40%) trust the Democratic Party more to handle tariffs compared with 31% who trust Donald Trump and the Republican Party. But 22% don’t trust either party. While there has been a small uptick in trust for the Democratic Party, moving from 37% in February 2026 to 40% now, trust in Trump and the Republican Party has declined from 37% in February 2026 to 31% now – creating this gap.