FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
February 4, 2025
Contact: Denzel McCampbell, denzel@progressmichigan.org
POLL: Plurality of Michiganders Opposed to Tariffs as Trump Admits Pain is Coming for Families
Lake Effect poll shows increased opposition for those who understand tariffs will raise costs
MICHIGAN – Progress Michigan released the January issue of Lake Effect, a monthly poll tracking public opinion about a variety of issues and political figures. The polling shows that a plurality of Michiganders oppose Trump’s tariffs on goods from countries including Canada, Mexico, China, and Denmark. Notably, the polling also shows that approval for Trump’s tariffs drops significantly as knowledge about what tariffs mean for American families rises.
“Donald Trump spent his entire campaign lying to voters, telling them his tariffs would not increase the price of goods, and many believed him,” said Sam Inglot, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Only now after weeks of chaos and uncertainty is Trump warning of the pain that will come for Michiganders and people across the country from his reckless, self-serving actions.”
Michiganders stand to be hit harder than those in other states as Michigan is a top-two import state for both Canada and Mexico, according to the Detroit Free Press. As the future of tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico remains unclear, 50 percent of Michiganders disagree with Trump’s tariff plans and 45 percent agree. A memo on the poll with additional information can be found here.
“Trump promised to bring lower costs to families on day one and instead of taking on corporate greed, childcare costs, or universal healthcare he is playing political games with people’s pocketbooks and livelihoods,” continued Inglot. “We won’t know the exact cost of Trump’s trade policies immediately, but just as we saw during his first term—when his trade wars cost Americans billions of dollars—it will be everyday Americans who pay the price.”
Note: This poll is from January 16-17, 2025, before the many actions Trump has taken on tariffs in recent days. Full crosstabs are available upon request. Additional polling on Michiganders’ opinion on tariffs will be forthcoming.
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