Poll: 56% of US voters back Trump’s tariff plan as Harris leads

A slight majority of US voters support Trump’s proposal for a 10% tariff on imports, including 60% on Chinese goods. Around 41% of voters oppose such a tariff plan.

Voters credit Trump with a greater ability to reduce the national debt, despite experts warning his policies could raise it. This boosts his appeal against Harris.

Harris holds a 5-percentage-point lead over Trump nationally. However, battleground states are more competitive, making the outcome of the race uncertain.

Trump’s past performance on the US economy drives his voter support. His administration’s growth before COVID is seen as evidence of his competence.

One-third of Democrats favour higher tariffs on Chinese goods, while two-thirds oppose it. This reflects differing views on economic protectionism within the party.

While Trump’s tax cuts boosted the economy and lowered unemployment, they also contributed to the growing national debt, a key point in the current campaign.

Trump and Harris both pledge tax cuts. Seventy percent of voters back Trump’s proposal to exempt tips from taxes, showing broad support for reducing tax burdens.

Economists, including Goldman Sachs, warn that Trump’s tariffs could harm the US economy. Harris has highlighted these warnings in debates, questioning his plans.

Despite expert criticism, 37% of voters trust Trump to tackle national debt compared to 30% for Harris, revealing a disconnect between voter perception and forecasts.

Nearly half of voters think Trump will prioritise a better business environment, a view shared by 47%, compared to 37% for Harris, signalling his economic focus.

Voters give Trump the edge on addressing inflation, with 43% saying he would lower prices for essential goods. Only 36% think Harris would be effective in this area.