South Carolinians Share Thoughts on Tariffs, Immigration, Approval Ratings and More in Latest Winthrop Poll

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Over half of South Carolinians think tariffs placed on imports from other countries will end up costing the U.S. more money than it brings in. While nearly 9 in 10 South Carolinians anticipate paying more for the products they buy because of these tariffs, 62% believe higher tariffs will result in the creation of more U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Half of South Carolinians approve of the way Donald Trump is handling immigration – another hot topic of his second term as president. When asked whether deporting a legal immigrant or letting an illegal immigrant stay in the U.S. is worse, 53% say deporting a legal immigrant is worse. Sharp divides exist between Republicans and Democrats within the state on the topic of immigration.

The following are more GENERAL POPULATION results from the survey of South Carolinians:

• 44% say Trump should bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. after being deported to El Salvador despite a court order prohibiting his deportation.
• 49% think welcoming immigrants in the U.S. has been equally good and bad.
• 68% think the fact that the U.S. population is made up of people of many different races and ethnicities strengthens American society; 9% thinks this weakens American society and 23% say it doesn’t make much of a difference.
• 63% believe an immigrant’s ability to speak English shows their willingness to assimilate into American culture and way of life.
• 33% say a truly neutral political party would best represent their beliefs and 32% say a moderately conservative party would best represent their beliefs; Republicans, Democrats, and Independents would all prefer a moderate, if not neutral, party.
• 46% think things in the nation are on the wrong track; 45% think things in the state of South Carolina are headed in the right direction.
• 45% disapprove of the way Trump is handling the economy; 43% approve.
• Approval ratings among all respondents: President Donald Trump: 45%; Governor Henry McMaster: 42%; Senator Tim Scott: 41%; Senator Lindsey Graham: 34%

For more analysis, comments from Poll Director Scott Huffmon, questions and responses, and methodology, go to: https://www.winthrop.edu/winthroppoll/2025-april-winthroppoll-results.aspx

Results of the GENERAL POPULATION from the survey are of 1,211 (weighted) South Carolinians and have a Margin of Error of +/-2.82%.

The survey was conducted online between May 23 and May 31, 2025. Data are weighted by sex, race, and age.

The Winthrop Poll is conducted and paid for by Winthrop University. 

For additional information or to set up an interview with Scott Huffmon, contact Judy Longshaw at longshawj@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2404 (office) or 803/984-0586 (cell).