Trump Voters Feel Tariff Pain, Yet See Long-Term Gain: From Rubber Ducks to 401(k)s

By Julia Harte

(Cryptonesia) – On April 9, President Donald Trump decided to increase tariffs on China, which affected Steve Egan, a promotional products distributor based in Tampa, Florida. At that time, he was in the process of ordering 5,000 rubber ducks from a supplier in China.

The rubber duckies were intended for a nearby nonprofit organization aiming to distribute them during parades and various occasions. According to Egan, their price unexpectedly increased overnight from 29 to 45 cents each.

The customer has put that order on hold due to the current tariff issues, as have others who've ordered thousands of different products ranging from caps to poker chips.

"I have this feeling that we've returned toCOVID times since everything seems uncertain," stated Egan, aged 64, who cast his vote for Trump last November.

In the first quarter of 2025, his sales dropped by 70% compared to the prior year; however, they showed an improvement in April.

Trump’s barrage of tariffs against global trading partners has reverberated around the United States over the past few months, affecting the livelihoods of myriad Americans, including many who said they voted for him.

Duties were the most frequently mentioned strategy highlighted by 25 Trump supporters nationwide who were consulted by Cryptonesia regarding the president’s initial 100 days in office and what had significantly affected their daily lives. These individuals noted observing impacts within their work environments as well as through their financial assets, particularly their 401(k) pension funds.

The Cryptonesia team will regularly interview some of these voters from now until the 2026 midterm elections to monitor how they are impacted by the policies implemented during the Trump administration.

Many of the voters interviewed for this article also mentioned significant reductions in funding for federal agencies as well as tightened immigration policies, resulting in U.S.-Mexico border crossings being at their least frequent point since 2000.

A majority of the 14 respondents who discussed tariffs anticipated these measures would ultimately deliver what the Trump administration had pledged—generating more domestic manufacturing employment opportunities and allowing the U.S. to secure improved trade deals with other nations.

Trump was elected with promises to reduce inflation and stimulate the economy but has begun to see declining backing, especially concerning economic matters, as per Cryptonesia/Ipsos polls. Only 37% of participants in the week-long survey ending Monday expressed approval for how Trump managed the economy, a drop from 42% who approved shortly following his inauguration in January.

Outside economists have warned the tariffs could trigger inflation, heighten the risk of a U.S. recession and cost the average U.S. family thousands of dollars in raised prices.

Out of the 14 voters polled, the majority expressed their willingness to allow the tariffs some time to produce the outcomes President Trump has guaranteed. The duration mentioned varied from a handful of months up to several years, highlighting the differing levels of trust these individuals place in the leader who won their support.

The 25 participants were chosen from among the 429 people who responded to an Ipsos survey conducted in February 2025. These individuals had indicated that they voted for Trump during the previous November's presidential election and agreed to talk with a journalist. While these voters do not form a scientifically representative sample of all who supported Trump, their demographic details—including age, educational background, racial or ethnic identity, location, and electoral history—are generally reflective of his broader base of supporters.

A spokesperson from the White House, Kush Desai, stated that "ordinary Americans" recalled how tariffs implemented during President Trump’s initial term contributed to economic expansion. He further noted, “The whole of the Trump administration concurs on restoring an unprecedentedly strong economy, all while reinforcing our southern borders and simplifying our overextended governmental structure.”

What Would Alter My Perspective

At a Walmart located in northeastern Indiana, Jon Webber, a 44-year-old retail employee, mentioned that the value of his company’s stocks decreased, and he noticed fewer customers purchasing luxury goods—which typically experience an uptick during spring—shortly after President Trump initiated tariffs against China and other nations in February.

Webber stated that he concurred with Trump regarding the necessity for the government to ensure "everyone pays their fair share." This comment was in response to President Trump’s assertions that various nations had "taken advantage" of the United States in terms of trade policies, particularly through imposing higher tariff rates compared to those set by the American administration.

Nevertheless, if by early autumn the tariffs haven't resulted in economic advantages and the president has not kept other campaign promises like boosting U.S. oil and gas output, "that could make me think, 'perhaps Trump lacks direction,'" according to Webber.

A 25% import duty on autos, declared by Trump on April 2, triggered a purchasing rush at the Denver-region car lot where Ron Dailey, aged 63, primarily deals with Japanese automobiles. As buyers hastened to secure their vehicles prior to potential price hikes, this trend was evident. According to Dailey, these uncertainties have also disturbed several of his fellow dealerships.

Dailey mentioned that he has confidence in Trump's approach regarding the tariffs. "Although my retirement portfolio has been impacted by these changes, I am attempting to look at the broader perspective, recognizing that this goes beyond personal matters," he explained.

In the Cryptonesia/Ipsos survey that concluded on Monday, merely one out of every five participants concurred with the statement: "Generally speaking, when the U.S. imposes tariffs on imports, it benefits me directly."

FEDERAL CUTS, BORDER SECURITY

Although tariffs were the primary focus during Trump's initial 100 days, they certainly weren't the sole issue weighing on his supporters' thoughts.

In Prescott Valley, Arizona, Joyce Kenney, who is 73 years old, has welcomed the Trump administration’s actions in deporting immigrants labeled as criminals and gang members. She stated, “I wish the Democrats would stay out of this and allow us to proceed with what we voted for,” commenting on legal attempts to halt certain deportation processes.

Amanda Taylor, who is 51 years old, hasn't noticed any alterations in her employment at an insurance company close to Savannah, Georgia. However, she mentioned that her spouse's position within the federal government sector has grown increasingly unpredictable because of reductions in the federal workforce initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

When she cast her vote for Trump in November hoping he would boost the economy, she had different expectations. Now, however, as she grapples with growing unease over his tariff policies, she finds herself struggling to maintain faith in the process.

"I can't figure out why Trump, you know, imposes tariffs and then quickly reverses his decision. It seems somewhat peculiar," she remarked.

Several voters consulted by Cryptonesia mentioned they would allow Trump the time needed for his tariff policies to boost the U.S. economy.

He has granted me four years to demonstrate my capabilities," stated Kate Mottl, aged 62, who works as a secretary at a suburban Chicago police department. "While I understand people's concerns regarding the significant drop in the stock market, it has also shown signs of recovery.

However, the price increases and market fluctuations triggered by the tariffs are already leading some of those who supported President Trump to experience buyer's remorse. "I did vote for him," explained Egan, a Tampa-based product distributor aiming to purchase rubber ducks, "but at the time, he seemed preferable to the other option. Now, though, I find myself thinking, 'Who else can we turn to?'"

Egan was looking forward to purchasing some countryside land before his upcoming retirement. However, due to the setback in both his business and investments, he may "delay this significant acquisition for several months and assess the situation as we move into summer," he mentioned.

(Reported by Julia Harte; edited by Paul Thomasch and Claudia Parsons)