Majority of Americans Oppose Trump's Tariffs, Call for Congressional Action Amid Economic Concerns
April 16, 2025
Legal experts suggest that Trump's invocation of the IEEPA may face challenges in court, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding these tariffs.
A recent CBS News/YouGov poll conducted from April 8-11 reveals that a significant majority of Americans, 58%, oppose the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, while only 42% support them.
The poll also indicates that 74% of respondents believe wealthier Americans benefit from these tariffs, with 58% attributing rising grocery prices to Trump's economic policies.
Reflecting this sentiment, over half of Americans, specifically 53%, are urging Congress to intervene and limit or completely stop the tariffs.
Despite the bipartisan support for this bill, it faces significant challenges, including insufficient votes to overcome a Republican filibuster and a likely veto from Trump.
Additionally, 62% of those surveyed think Trump's policies are negatively impacting the stock market, highlighting widespread discontent with his economic approach.
In contrast, only 13% of respondents support increasing the tariffs, showcasing a strong desire for reform in trade policies.
In response to growing public pressure, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley aims to require presidential justification for new tariffs and allows Congress a two-month review period.
Critics argue that Trump has undermined Congress's role in tariff regulation, disrupting the constitutional separation of powers.
Small businesses, represented by the Liberty Justice Center, have filed a lawsuit claiming that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs is illegal and an overreach of authority.
Another lawsuit from the New Civil Liberties Alliance alleges that the president lacks the legal authority under the IEEPA to impose these tariffs.
Amidst these developments, nearly half of the respondents, 49%, feel they will be financially worse off due to Trump's economic actions, while only 21% believe his policies will positively impact their finances.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

Economic Times • Apr 16, 2025
Nationwide poll finds Americans oppose tariffs, want Congress to step up and stop more economic fallout fr
Truthout • Apr 15, 2025
A Majority of Americans Want Congress to Block Trump’s Tariffs — Poll