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Who is Googling Trump’s tariffs—And why that matters

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  • Donadelli, Michael
  • Gerotto, Luca

Abstract

This study investigates U.S. public concern over tariffs during the initial three months of Donald Trump’s second term. By analyzing state-level Google search frequency for the topic ‘tariff’, it explores whether tariff-related anxiety was uniformly distributed across states or influenced by political affiliation. The data reveal widespread political polarization: states that supported Kamala Harris exhibited significantly higher search intensity compared to states that supported Trump. These findings suggest that voters in Harris-leaning states were more alarmed by the potential economic consequences of Trump’s trade policies, highlighting both the politicization of trade policy and its varying resonance across the political spectrum.

Suggested Citation

  • Donadelli, Michael & Gerotto, Luca, 2025. "Who is Googling Trump’s tariffs—And why that matters," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525003507
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112513
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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