Trump’s Economic Policies Face Growing Skepticism Among AAPI Voters

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President Donald Trump is seeing a notable drop in favorability among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters, according to a recent poll by AAPI Data and the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Economic worries, particularly over tariffs and inflation, appear to be a key factor behind the shift.

The July poll, which surveyed 1,130 AAPI adults, shows that 71 percent now hold an unfavorable view of Trump, up 11 points from December 2024. Among politically independent AAPI voters, the change is even more significant, with disapproval rising from roughly 50 percent to 70 percent in just seven months.

Much of the unease stems from skepticism about Trump’s economic approach. A large majority of respondents, around 80 percent, said they believe his tariff policies would increase consumer costs. Fewer than half think such measures will help American manufacturing, and just 1 in 5 expect job growth to follow. Concern over a potential recession was also higher among AAPI respondents than the national average, at 65 percent compared to 53 percent.

Some AAPI voters shared their views on the issue. Michael Ida, a 56-year-old independent voter and teacher from Hawaii, said current policy proposals “don’t seem well thought out” and warned that families and schools are already feeling the consequences. Shopan Hafiz, an engineer and independent voter in California, said he believes the economic burden of tariffs will ultimately fall on American consumers.

Trump saw modest gains in AAPI support during the 2024 election, increasing his share of the vote slightly from 29 percent in 2020 to just over 30 percent. However, that momentum may be reversing as economic concerns mount. States with higher living costs, like Hawaii and California, have been especially sensitive to the impact of trade disruptions and inflation.

For Republican strategists, the message is clear: if the party hopes to expand its reach within the AAPI electorate, it will need to address economic anxieties more directly. Policies focused on lowering inflation, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring job stability could resonate, especially among independents.

Without a clear and credible economic plan, the GOP risks losing ground with a demographic that is growing in both size and influence ahead of 2026 and 2028.