Trade Tensions, Peace Initiatives, and Sanctions: Public Opinion on Trump’s Global Agenda

As President Donald Trump’s second term enters its tenth month, our latest poll reveals a deeply divided American public grappling with the complexities of his administration’s assertive foreign policies. The findings highlight stark contrasts between voters who supported Donald Trump and those who backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. At the heart of this polarisation lies divergent views on trade policy, peace efforts, and the growing use of sanctions as instruments of diplomacy and economic pressure.

Trust in Trump’s management of U.S.–China trade relations stands at 53% overall—30% expressing strong trust and 23% some trust—while 41% express distrust (12% somewhat, 29% strongly). Confidence in his broader foreign policy agenda is slightly higher, at 56% (34% strong, 22% some), compared with 40% who say they distrust his approach. These figures encapsulate the administration’s aggressive stance, marked by heightened tariffs, strategic sanctions, and high-stakes peace negotiations in global flashpoints such as Ukraine and the Middle East. Trump maintains overwhelming support among his base, with 86% of his 2024 voters expressing confidence in his handling of sanctions and trade with China—a sharp contrast to 71% of Harris voters who express distrust.

Recent executive actions—including April 2025’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which imposed a 10% duty on non-sanctioned imports, and the July crackdown on de minimis exemptions for low-value shipments—have intensified public debate. The August extension of duties against foreign partners further reflects an “America First” agenda aimed at reshaping global trade dynamics. As the 2026 midterms approach, these trade and foreign policy issues could sway voter sentiment: 40% of respondents currently favour Republican control of Congress, while 43% lean Democratic—a narrow margin suggesting volatility in key swing states.

A Polarised Public

Men show notably higher trust in Trump’s foreign policy (67%) than women (46%). Trust peaks at 68% among adults aged 35–44 but falls to 42% among those aged 55–64. Among seniors (65+), trust stands at 46%, hinting at generational differences in views on aggressive trade tactics and sanctions.

Key Figures Shaping the Global Stage

The administration’s foreign policy agenda is intertwined with high-profile figures whose public images mirror broader partisan divides. Elon Musk—whose advisory role and expansive business interests increasingly intersect with national policy, from trade disputes to diplomatic messaging—elicits mixed reactions: 38% hold favourable views (19% very, 19% somewhat), while 56% are unfavourable (34% somewhat, 22% very). Among Trump voters, 63% view Musk positively; among Harris supporters, only 18% do.

Trust in Musk’s companies—X, SpaceX, and Tesla—to act in America’s best interests stands at 52% (26% strong, 26% some), while 39% express distrust. This ambivalence reflects broader unease about the influence of powerful private actors in areas like trade negotiations and technology-related sanctions.

Vice President J.D. Vance, a vocal advocate for tough sanctions and recalibrated trade policies, has a 42% favourability rating (23% very, 19% somewhat) against 53% unfavourable (32% somewhat, 21% very). His support is strong among Trump voters (69%) but small among Harris supporters (20%). Pete Hegseth, a key administration voice on defence and foreign affairs, registers only a 35% favourability versus 48% unfavorability.

Trade Policy

Economic concerns dominate public priorities, with 45% of respondents identifying inflation and the economy as the most pressing national issue—far ahead of immigration (16%), crime (14%), and foreign policy (6%). Within this context, Trump’s trade initiatives draw mixed reviews: 50% support new tariffs on Chinese goods (26% strongly, 24% somewhat), while 42% oppose them (17% somewhat, 25% strongly).

Partisan differences are pronounced: Republicans back the tariffs overwhelmingly (81%), Democrats oppose them by 68%, and independents are divided (26% support, 58% oppose). One in four Americans (25%) believe the tariffs will strengthen the economy by protecting domestic industries, while 37% think they will primarily raise consumer prices. Another 24% see both effects occurring, acknowledging the trade-offs of protectionism.

Recent trade measures against Mexico and Canada—framed as responses to migration and unfair trade practices—receive 46% approval, 39% disapproval, and 14% uncertainty. Republican approval soars to 76%, while Democrats disapprove at 70%. These policies, including sanction threats tied to border security, have become integral to the administration’s economic narrative.

Overall, 52% believe Trump’s economic policies strengthen the economy (30% much stronger, 22% somewhat), compared with 42% who see them as weakening it. Personal financial assessments echo this divide: 47% say their situation has improved in the past year (70% among Trump voters, 32% among Harris supporters), while 27% report worsening conditions, reflecting continued inflationary pressures.

Confidence in U.S. global competitiveness remains relatively strong at 64%, though 28% express low confidence due to fears of retaliatory sanctions. On the intersection of trade and technology, views are split: 28% believe AI will create jobs through innovation, 28% foresee job losses due to automation, and 35% expect both outcomes—illustrating uncertainty about sanctions’ impact on industries like semiconductors.

Peace Efforts

Foreign policy perceptions reveal a nation both wary and hopeful. A majority (53%) believe Trump’s approach has made America safer (31% much, 22% somewhat), while 39% say risks have grown. Our latest poll shows that 55% report increased confidence in U.S. global leadership, compared with 37% who feel less confident.

Concern about U.S.–China tensions escalating into broader conflict is widespread, with 77% somewhat or very concerned. Trump’s peace initiatives—such as ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine and proposals for Gaza—have met mixed reactions. His “Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace,” emphasizing diplomacy over prolonged conflict, is supported by 75% of his voters but seen as risky by 67% of Harris supporters.

Confidence in the U.S. military remains high at 70%, though only 6% of voters currently cite foreign policy as their top voting issue. Immigration, often tied to trade and sanctions, ranks second (16%) behind the economy, with 60% expressing trust in Trump’s border policies.

Domestic Ripples and Public Trust

The poll also explores related domestic attitudes. On climate change, 45% favour major government action, 28% support moderate action, and 21% want little or none. Support for gun control remains strong at 73%, and the healthcare system earns mixed reviews—50% positive overall, with 51% trusting Trump to handle reform.

Media perceptions are lukewarm: 55% rate political coverage favourably, while 36% are unfavourable. A large majority (68%) express concern about social media’s political influence, and 80% worry about election misinformation—concerns heightened by narratives linking foreign interference and sanctions.

Public sentiment on national unity is split: 46% view the country as divided, matching the 46% who perceive growing unity. The nation’s direction is viewed positively by 49%, while 40% think it’s on the wrong track.

Looking ahead, 58% express optimism about the nation’s future (29% very, 29% somewhat), while 35% are pessimistic. As the 2026 midterms approach, the economy (46%) remains the dominant voting issue, followed by crime and healthcare (15% each), with trade and foreign policy emerging as potential wildcards.

The poll depicts an America wrestling with the duality of Trump’s global agenda—trade tensions as both shield and strain, peace initiatives as both diplomacy and risk, sanctions as both leverage and liability. Supporters praise his assertive strategy for restoring U.S. dominance; critics warn of economic isolation and geopolitical escalation. As the administration faces pivotal months ahead—from ceasefire efforts in Ukraine to expanding tariffs on China—the challenge will be bridging partisan divides while defining the long-term legacy of this foreign policy era.

Download the data tables for this poll.