Trump's economic flip-flops spark growing public dissatisfaction

Sudden policy reversals on trade and the Fed shake confidence in Trump’s economic leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House, on April 23, 2025. Photo by Demetrius Freeman/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

President Donald Trump's repeated economic flip-flops—from tariff hikes to abrupt shifts in monetary policy rhetoric—are triggering widespread concern among Americans and financial observers alike. The president, who campaigned on restoring prosperity and protecting American jobs, is now under scrutiny for a series of impulsive reversals that many argue betray a lack of coherent economic strategy. The pattern of unpredictability, especially concerning trade with China and public criticism of the Federal Reserve, has increasingly fueled public dissatisfaction and market unease.

Trump economic flip-flops, reflects this core theme: a pattern of abrupt changes that undercut earlier pledges, leaving both analysts and average citizens wary.

A presidency marked by contradictions

Earlier this year, President Trump made headlines by suggesting he might dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he blamed for not cutting interest rates fast enough to stimulate the economy. But within days, he reversed course, telling reporters he had no plans to fire Powell. A similar sequence of mixed signals was seen in his approach to tariffs: after announcing sweeping duties on Chinese imports, Trump hinted at potential compromises and then backed away from his hardline stance—only to later reinstate harsh rhetoric.

“There is no chance the U.S. flip-flops on trade the past month were remotely planned,” said Joseph Grieco, a professor of political science at Duke University. “It's been one improvisation after another.”

Grieco's assessment mirrors the concerns of many political observers who see these rapid changes not as strategic recalibrations but as reactive moves that undermine credibility. Markets have responded accordingly, with volatility spiking whenever Trump or his top advisors issue conflicting statements on key economic issues.

Declining approval across multiple polls

The impact of these economic reversals is being felt not only in the markets but also in public opinion. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April, only 40 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s job performance—a drop of seven points from February. While the survey notes that this is consistent with Trump's 2017 numbers, it underscores how his handling of the economy—a strength during his early presidency—is now drawing criticism.

More concerning for the administration is the breakdown of that dissatisfaction. Nearly 60 percent of Pew respondents disapproved of Trump’s trade policies, which have included aggressive tariff measures targeting China and other countries.

Similarly, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only 37 percent of Americans expressed satisfaction with Trump’s economic approach. That represents a stark contrast to early first-term figures, when Trump’s economic message was resonating with a broader swath of the public. Even a YouGov poll from early April found that 51 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with the president’s economic policies—up four points from March.

Market jitters and investor anxiety

Beyond poll numbers, Trump's economic flip-flops are contributing to real-world financial instability. Global markets have been on edge, with investors unsure of where U.S. economic policy is heading. One week may bring optimism on trade negotiations; the next may spark fears of an escalating trade war. This volatility directly affects millions of Americans whose retirement savings are tied to stock market performance.

Adding to the anxiety was Trump’s public rebuke of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he labeled a “loser” for not cutting interest rates. The attack on the central bank’s independence triggered immediate market sell-offs, before Trump again walked back his remarks.

Such mixed messages have led economists and investors alike to question whether the White House has a coherent economic plan—or whether Trump’s decisions are dictated more by short-term political considerations and media cycles.

Economic optimism erodes amid uncertainty

Historically, Americans have remained relatively optimistic about their personal financial futures, even during times of national uncertainty. But that trend is shifting. A Gallup poll released last month found that 53 percent of Americans now believe their personal financial situation will worsen—a significant reversal from previous years, when most respondents expressed cautious optimism.

That decline in confidence could translate into real economic consequences. If consumers start holding back on spending due to uncertainty, it could stifle growth and lead to broader economic stagnation. Economists warn that an erosion of consumer confidence, particularly when driven by erratic government policy, can have lasting effects.

Meanwhile, analysts note that despite broad dissatisfaction, Trump's core supporters remain largely loyal. Polling data show that around 70 percent of Republican voters and Republican-leaning independents continue to support his tariff policies, while 90 percent of Democrats strongly oppose them. The deep partisan divide over Trump’s economic leadership continues to shape how the broader public interprets his policy moves.

The broader context of global instability

The timing of these economic reversals could not be more precarious. Amid a tense geopolitical environment and a slowing global economy, the absence of a clear U.S. strategy is exacerbating international instability. European and Asian markets react sharply to Trump’s statements, and the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy makes long-term business planning difficult for American and foreign companies alike.

Within the United States, business leaders have begun to speak out more forcefully. Several trade associations and economic advocacy groups have warned that the current volatility could lead to job losses, weakened supply chains, and reduced competitiveness for U.S. exporters.

A presidency defined by contradictions

President Trump’s economic narrative continues to vacillate between aggressive nationalism and pragmatic retrenchment. One moment, he pledges to fight unfair trade practices with punishing tariffs; the next, he offers hints of diplomatic breakthroughs. This constant back-and-forth has blurred the lines between strategy and improvisation.

What remains consistent, however, is the growing public dissatisfaction captured in poll after poll. While Trump's base may remain unmoved, the broader American electorate appears increasingly wary of economic leadership defined by contradiction rather than consistency.

In the final analysis, Trump economic flip-flops encapsulates a presidency that has traded predictability for performance theater. As Americans look ahead to the next election cycle, the question looms: will economic uncertainty and market jitters overshadow earlier promises of prosperity?

With approval ratings slipping and financial anxieties growing, the fallout from Trump’s economic reversals is only beginning to unfold.