President Trump’s bold tariff strategy is reshaping more than just trade deals—it’s also reshaping public opinion about his cabinet. At the center of that shift is Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who now stands as the most trusted advisor in the administration, according to new polling data released by J.L. Partners.
Bessent enjoys a +14 net approval rating among Americans—putting him well ahead of his cabinet peers and even political heavyweight Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who holds a +8 rating as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Tied with Kennedy at +8 is another rising star in the Trump administration: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
🚨 BREAKING: Trump Treasury Secretary SCOTT BESSENT found to hold the highest net approval rating out of Trump's senior officials at +14 – @J_L_Partners poll pic.twitter.com/3184HPxQI4
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 10, 2025
It’s a remarkable rise for Bessent, the first openly gay Senate-confirmed cabinet official in a Republican administration. Initially viewed as an unconventional pick due to his deep Wall Street ties, Bessent has quickly proven himself indispensable, especially during Trump’s latest trade war. While critics screamed economic chaos, Bessent was the calm in the storm—reassuring jittery markets, bringing Trump’s message to financial insiders, and brokering the 90-day tariff pause for over 70 countries while locking in a firm 10% baseline tariff.
Perhaps his most impressive feat was getting through to President Trump on strategy. Within a week, Bessent made the case that the tariffs had already delivered their shock value—and it worked. Trump softened the policy just in time to give global markets room to breathe, while still keeping maximum pressure on China.
Even Trump’s skeptical allies, like hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, were swayed. “This was brilliantly executed by [Trump]. Textbook, Art of the Deal,” Ackman wrote after the revised policy was unveiled.
Other top-rated cabinet officials include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, each at +7, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth comes in at +6. Elon Musk, Trump’s cost-cutting advisor, remains under water with voters.
Overall, the poll of 1,019 registered voters highlights a resilient support structure for Trump, even as his personal approval rating has recently dipped. The good news for Team Trump? The tariff rollback has already improved his standing, boosting his favorability from 46% last week to a more solid 49% this week.
But there’s still work to do. Independent voters remain wary of the tariff strategy, with 56% expressing disapproval. That’s where Bessent comes in again—armed with facts, a calm demeanor, and just enough Wall Street savvy to sell Main Street on the long game.