Voters Side With Trump
A major new poll reveals that Americans are regaining confidence in the nation’s direction under President Donald Trump, even as mainstream media continues to sound the alarm over his tough tariff strategy.
The Harvard/Harris Poll, released this week, shows 42% of voters believe the country is on the right track, up 3 points since last month and up 16 points since last fall. It’s the clearest sign yet that everyday Americans are beginning to feel the positive effects of President Trump’s America First economic agenda.
While 49% still feel uncertain about the nation’s direction, key numbers suggest momentum is building in Trump’s favor—especially when it comes to the economy.
Stock Market Rebound and Lower Inflation Spark Financial Hope
More than half of voters—51%—now describe the U.S. economy as “strong”, a noticeable 5-point jump from April. Even more telling: 34% of voters say their personal financial situation is improving, while only 39% say it’s getting worse—the lowest number recorded in nearly four years.
According to pollster Mark Penn, these numbers show voters are beginning to separate fact from political spin:
“With markets on the rise and inflation beginning to cool, voters are finally seeing the benefits of President Trump’s economic policies.”
Trump’s Tariffs Divide Voters, But Support Holds Firm
Despite relentless media attacks, President Trump’s bold tariffs on foreign goods have drawn mixed reactions—but not a collapse in support.
While 59% expressed concern that tariffs could impact the economy short-term, nearly half of all voters (49%) believe the administration acted appropriately—or didn’t go far enough.
Americans remain split on whether Trump’s policies are strengthening or weakening the economy (50%-50%), as well as on whether his agenda is boosting or hurting U.S. investment.
On inflation, just over half say Trump’s battle to rein in rising prices isn’t over—but they acknowledge progress is being made.
Steady Support for Trump, Even Amid Policy Battles
President Trump’s approval rating stands firm at 47%, nearly unchanged from April, despite nonstop media criticism and political noise in Washington.
Interestingly, 31% of voters say Trump is outperforming expectations in his second term, while 43% say he’s underperforming, and 29% believe he’s doing exactly what they expected. That’s a shift from earlier this year, when views were more evenly divided.
The Bottom Line: Trump’s Economic Message Is Resonating Again
This poll paints a clear picture: Despite political attacks and media hysteria, President Trump’s economic policies are beginning to win over more Americans—especially those who care about lower inflation, a stronger dollar, and a fair playing field for U.S. jobs.
With the economy rebounding and personal finances showing improvement, older voters—especially retirees and working-class Americans—may be warming back up to the pro-growth, pro-America policies that defined Trump’s first term.
Survey Details
The Harvard-Harris Poll surveyed 1,903 voters from May 14–15, with a ±2.2% margin of error. The poll is conducted jointly by the Center for Political Studies at Harvard and the Harris Poll.
