Tariff and trade policy
President Trump's sweeping tariff policies have become a central economic and political flashpoint heading into the 2026 midterms. Polls show the tariffs have hurt Trump's approval ratings on economic issues, and states are watching for a Supreme Court ruling on their legality. The tariffs have reignited debate about the balance between protecting domestic industries and raising consumer costs.
Where do you stand?
Should the U.S. maintain or expand tariffs on imported goods?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Encyclopedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-key-issues-in-the-2026-midterms
Tariff policies and harsh immigration crackdowns, such as the ones seen in early 2026 in Minnesota, have hurt the president and the Republican Party.
Jared Brey, Jule Pattison-Gordon, Carl Smith — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
States will be watching to see whether the Supreme Court upholds Trump's tariffs and whether the federal government reaches a budget deal.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Immediately eliminate all tariffs; free trade benefits consumers and lowers prices for everyone.
- Reduce most tariffs and pursue multilateral trade agreements to lower barriers gradually.
- Keep limited, targeted tariffs on specific industries while avoiding broad trade wars.
- Maintain current tariff levels as leverage in negotiations but be open to deals.
- Significantly expand tariffs across all major trading partners to protect American jobs.