A majority of voters support President-elect Donald Trump’s strategy of threatening steep tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods to incentivize America’s neighbors to close their borders and stop the flow of illicit fentanyl into the U.S.
The poll from Napolitan News Service found that 54% of voters support Trump’s approach, compared to 31% who do not; 15% said they are unsure.
“Support for this approach is found despite the fact that only 37% of voters believe it would be good for the US economy. However, an even larger number (57%) believe it would be bad for the economies of Canada and Mexico,” Napolitan News Service said in a statement accompanying its polling results. “Voters overwhelmingly believe that the economies of Mexico and Canada are already weaker than the U.S. economy. This suggests that voters think the threat of tariffs pose an even greater danger to our neighbors than it does to our country. That logic, if accurate, puts the U.S. in a much stronger negotiating position.”
A majority of voters – 52% – also think Trump’s strategy will work, according to the poll.
“They think it will get our neighbors to help stop illegal immigration and reduce the flow of fentanyl into the United States,” Napolitan News Service said. “Twelve percent (12%) of voters believe that tariffs are bad for the economy but also believe Trump’s policy would be effective.”
