Epoch Readers’ Survey Reveals Robust Backing for Trump’s Trade Reset in America

President Donald Trump’s ambitious new trade approach is gaining significant backing from The Epoch Times readers.

A recent survey of 21,559 readers indicates widespread approval for the administration’s tariff initiatives, with many considering it a just and essential measure to safeguard American industries, revitalize manufacturing jobs, and set a course for enduring economic self-sufficiency.

There is heightened optimism that Trump’s trade overhaul will rejuvenate the nation’s beleaguered industrial sector, enhancing both economic and national security, while rebuilding America’s middle class and deterring potential adversaries.

While the hopeful sentiment is palpable, numerous participants recognized possible drawbacks, particularly short-term inflation and increased consumer costs. Nevertheless, they voiced a firm belief that the long-term gains—stronger industries, increased national resilience, and diminished foreign dependence—would surpass the immediate challenges.

Backing for Tariff Policy: A Necessary Trade Reformation?

Trump, who once famously dubbed himself “Tariff Man,” has been a staunch advocate for tariffs, viewing them as a vital mechanism to shield American workers from foreign competition, resurrect manufacturing jobs, and bridge the nation’s $1.2 trillion trade deficit.

During his initial term, Trump frequently employed tariffs to renegotiate trade agreements that he deemed unfavorable for the U.S. Following his victory in the November 2024 election and his return to the White House, Trump has rapidly aimed to recalibrate America’s trade ties with other nations through these tariffs.

China, at the front of the offenders’ list, faced the harshest penalties. Following the communist regime’s decision to retaliate with its own tariffs rather than negotiate with the U.S., tensions escalated, resulting in U.S. tariffs soaring to an astonishing 145 percent against China.

One of Trump’s central objectives with the tariff policies is to reshape global commerce and compel foreign governments to engage in bilateral agreements that rectify what he portrays as inequitable trade relationships disadvantaging the United States.

The Epoch Times’ survey indicated strong support for Trump’s trade policy reset.

When asked if a 10 percent universal tariff is a fair means to protect domestic industries, 52 percent of respondents strongly agreed, while another 17 percent somewhat agreed. Only 6 percent somewhat disagreed and 9 percent strongly disagreed. Republican participants showed the highest level of support, with 56 percent strongly agreeing. By comparison, only 18 percent of Democrats shared the same view, while 41 percent strongly disagreed. Support peaked among those aged 35 and older.

Regarding higher reciprocal tariffs aimed at the worst offending nations, such as China and communist Vietnam, support was even higher. A total of 76 percent of all respondents strongly agreed, with an additional 11 percent somewhat agreeing. Among Republicans, 80 percent strongly agreed, and 69 percent of Independents echoed that sentiment. Conversely, only 20 percent of Democrats strongly agreed, while 52 percent were strongly opposed.

When queried about Trump’s proposed approach—utilizing the extent of the U.S. trade deficit with each country to calculate tariff rates—58 percent of respondents strongly agreed, with another 20 percent somewhat agreeing. Support levels again reflected age and political affiliation, with Republicans and older individuals showing the most significant endorsement.

Overall, the survey reveals substantial anxiety regarding America’s trade deficits with other nations and a profound desire for assertive action. Respondents regard Trump’s tariffs as both just and essential, a sentiment bolstered by numerous open responses that framed the policy not merely as an economic maneuver but also as a matter of national defense. Many pointed to the increasing dependence on foreign rivals—especially China—for critical goods like pharmaceuticals, microchips, and industrial parts.

Manufacturing and Industrial Fortitude

The decline of American manufacturing since China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001 has hollowed out communities nationwide. More than 60,000 factories have shuttered over the past two decades, resulting in the loss of approximately 4.7 million jobs. Trump’s tariffs aim to halt this erosion of industrial strength, which he attributes to diminishing U.S. economic autonomy and jeopardizing national security.

The president and his advisors assert that tariffs can provide domestic companies more leeway to expand, invest in infrastructure, and ramp up their workforce. Trump recently characterized his trade policies as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to realign international trade, reshore industries, and enhance America’s security and self-sufficiency.

When asked if tariffs would likely encourage the return of manufacturing jobs to the United States, 64 percent strongly agreed, with another 20 percent somewhat agreeing. Only 6 percent remained neutral, while 10 percent disagreed in some manner. Among Republicans, 68 percent strongly agreed. Support was also robust among Independents (56 percent) and individuals aged 35 and older.

Regarding the capability of the U.S. industrial sector to expand domestic production in response to elevated import costs, 49 percent of respondents strongly agreed, and 27 percent somewhat agreed. Just 11 percent disagreed. The group aged 65 and older expressed the highest level of confidence.

However, when questioned whether American-produced goods would continue to depend significantly on imported parts or materials, 14 percent strongly agreed, with 30 percent somewhat agreeing. Thirty-six percent remained neutral, while 20 percent somewhat or strongly disagreed, indicating notable uncertainty about the extent to which U.S. manufacturing can detach from global supply chains.

Generally, the poll suggests that optimism concerning a manufacturing revival spurred by tariffs is strong. However, many respondents also seem to think that complete self-sufficiency remains a distant—or potentially unattainable—goal.

Price Pressures and Household Effects

Tariffs lead to increased costs for imported goods, and as import prices climb, domestic companies usually relay at least some of these added costs to consumers.

Trump and senior officials assert that the inflationary impacts will lessen over time, as elevated tariffs incentivize a shift in consumer behavior, prompting more Americans to choose domestically-produced items. According to the administration, this tariff-driven shift will enhance U.S. manufacturing and ultimately lower expenses, portraying the endeavor as short-term discomfort for long-term benefit.

“We will prevail,” Trump asserted in a post on Truth Social. “Hang tough, it won’t be easy, but the end results will be unprecedented.”

Respondents to the Epoch Times poll appear to resonate with this vision. When asked if tariffs would enhance the U.S. economy’s resilience and self-sufficiency over time, 73 percent expressed strong agreement and an additional 13 percent somewhat agreed. Only 7 percent disagreed strongly, while another 3 percent somewhat disagreed. The strongest backing was noted among Republicans (77 percent strongly agreed) and older respondents. Conversely, almost half of Democrats strongly disagreed.

In response to whether tariffs serve as a practical method for assisting in reducing the national debt, 51 percent strongly agreed and 24 percent somewhat agreed. Thirteen percent remained neutral, while only 5 percent somewhat disagreed and 7 percent strongly disagreed. Again, Republicans and older voters showed the highest levels of support, while Democrats expressed deep skepticism, with 56 percent strongly disapproving.

Finally, respondents were asked if tariffs ought to be maintained in the long term to facilitate reduced tax rates for Americans. Forty-six percent strongly agreed, and 23 percent somewhat agreed. Eighteen percent remained neutral, while 13 percent held opposing views. Among the under-35 demographic, sentiments were more mixed, with 45 percent strongly agreeing, contrasted by 19 percent who strongly disagreed. Among Republicans, 49 percent strongly agreed, while only 17 percent of Democrats concurred.

The findings suggest a widespread belief among respondents—especially conservative and older voters—that tariffs can achieve more than simply recalibrating global trade. They may also create a fiscal framework for enduring tax reform, enhanced economic sovereignty, and a reduction in the escalating national debt.

Market Sentiment and Stock Market Response

Markets tend to react negatively toward tariffs as they can destabilize global trade, inflate prices, and induce economic uncertainty.

In spite of market fluctuations, a majority of respondents from The Epoch Times survey displayed confidence in the long-term advantages of the new tariff strategy. When asked whether the recent market disturbances represented justified concerns about the U.S. tariff agenda, only 12 percent strongly concurred and 13 percent somewhat concurred. A plurality—29 percent—somewhat disagreed, and 24 percent strongly disagreed. The sentiment was more prevalent among Democrats, who were more inclined to view the decline as justified, while Republicans and older voters largely deemed the market’s reaction exaggerated.

When respondents were queried if the U.S. tariff policy made them more hopeful about the economy in 2025, 49 percent strongly agreed, while 28 percent somewhat agreed. Just 5 percent somewhat disagreed and 8 percent strongly disagreed. Optimism appeared particularly strong among Republicans (52 percent strongly agreed) and those aged 65 and older (50 percent strongly agreed). In contrast, 68 percent of Democrats strongly disagreed.

Looking ahead, respondents displayed even greater optimism. When asked if the tariff policy inspired a more favorable outlook for America’s long-term economic prospects, 67 percent strongly agreed, with another 18 percent somewhat agreeing. Only 3 percent somewhat disagreed and 8 percent strongly disagreed. Among Republicans, 72 percent strongly agreed. Support was again highest among older individuals and lowest among Democrats, where 65 percent strongly disagreed.

The responses imply that while short-term volatility on Wall Street might create some anxiety, many Americans—particularly conservative and older voters—feel the overall economic direction is promising.

Fairness, Employment, and Long-Term Vision

The final question of the survey asked respondents whether they believed Trump’s new tariff policy signifies a constructive shift in America’s global trade strategy—and why.

Seventy-three percent of respondents strongly agreed that it represents a positive change, with 14 percent somewhat agreeing. Only 10 percent registered any form of disagreement. Among Republicans, 77 percent strongly agreed, compared to 65 percent of Independents and just 21 percent of Democrats. Younger respondents were more split in their views, with 53 percent of those under 35 strongly agreeing, while the agreement was notably higher at 72 percent among those aged 35 to 64 and 73 percent among individuals aged 65 and older.

Beyond the structured responses, the poll encouraged open-ended feedback. Thousands utilized this opportunity to express their comprehensive perspectives on the purpose, implications, and effects of Trump’s new trade policy.

Many participants underscored the notion that the United States has been unfairly treated by its trade partners for years. The phrases “fair is fair” and “America has been taken advantage of long enough” appeared frequently. Numerous contributors praised Trump for his resolve to challenge entrenched global trade norms, labeling his actions as “courageous” and “long overdue.”

Others emphasized the necessity of revitalizing domestic manufacturing capabilities, highlighting national security issues and the decline of middle-class employment opportunities. There was also significant endorsement for using tariffs to “rebalance” or “reset” global trade, reflecting the sentiment of a “need to reboot American industry.” This was particularly echoed in hundreds of responses from readers who felt the U.S. had been subsiding inexpensive imports to the detriment of its own economy.

Concerns regarding inflation and short-term instability were acknowledged but often downplayed. Many argued that the short-term discomfort was worth the long-term advantages, likening Trump’s tariffs to economic “chemotherapy,” a tough but ultimately beneficial treatment.

In summary, the organized and open responses illustrate a public that is eager for substantial economic realignment—one based on self-reliance, fairness, and national strength.

Thank you for your participation. Please feel free to share this survey with your friends. The results will be featured in an article published on Saturday at theepochtimes.com/survey.

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