President Trump has signed nearly 200 executive orders this year, most recently extending reciprocal tariff agreements with all major trading partners—China excepted—in an effort to strengthen the U.S. economy. Yet a July 17 poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 49 percent of Americans believe his policies have done more harm than good, while only 25 percent say they’ve benefited from them. An earlier survey this month even showed a majority—52 percent—disapproving of the president’s overall performance.
The growing dissatisfaction transcends party lines: even some Republicans have begun voicing serious doubts about Trump’s leadership. One flashpoint is the handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s case, where critics accuse the administration of suppressing crucial information. The FBI insists there is no credible “client list” linking Epstein to powerful figures, and denies any evidence of blackmail, yet 67 percent of Americans suspect a cover‑up, according to a recent Economist/YouGov poll.
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has further fanned the flames on Twitter, calling the Epstein affair “a cover‑up” and pointing out that none of Epstein’s alleged associates have faced charges. His public comments only deepen the sense of mistrust as the 2026 election approaches.
With approval ratings slipping and controversy mounting, Trump faces a steep challenge to restore confidence among both his base and undecided voters. As debates over economic policy and transparency intensify, the president’s next moves—whether to ease tariffs, release more information, or pursue new initiatives—could prove decisive in regaining public trust.
