Trump faces backlash over economy and inflation after China trip

President Trump returned from a trip to China facing criticism at home over inflation and the economy. A new CBS News poll shows his approval rating at 37 percent, the lowest of his second term. Seven in 10 Americans say they are frustrated or angry with the administration's handling of the economy. Two-thirds say his policies are making the economy worse in the short term, and only 27 percent approve of his handling of inflation.

Gas prices average $4.51 a gallon. Americans have spent $45 billion more on fuel since the war began compared with a year ago. Lower-income households are cutting back on driving, according to the New York Fed.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the president is focused on affordability. He pointed to efforts to bring jobs back to the United States and raise wages. Greer said prices have fallen for some staples such as dairy, cheese and flour. He said the administration expects prices to drop further once operations in the Gulf conclude.

Greer also discussed the results of the China trip. He said the two countries agreed to create a board of trade to manage economic relations and a board of investment to address issues as they arise. He said the talks would focus on nonsensitive goods such as agricultural products, energy and medical devices. China has already reduced some non-tariff barriers on U.S. beef and poultry, he said.

The president told reporters he did not discuss tariffs with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Greer said the United States can raise tariffs back to the level set in the Busan deal last October. He said investigations into Chinese trade practices are continuing and could lead to new tariffs or other measures after July.

China confirmed some agreements but gave few details. Trump said China agreed to buy 750 Boeing planes if the first 200 deliveries go well. He also said the United States would supply 400 to 450 GE aircraft engines. Greer said the first 200 Boeing orders are locked in and that a fact sheet with more details on agricultural purchases would be released soon.

Taiwan's representative to the United States, Alexander Yui, said President Trump heard only China's version of events during the Beijing meetings. Yui said Taiwan wants to tell its own story of resilience against Chinese pressure. He said there is no scheduled call yet between Trump and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

Yui said Taiwan has no plans to declare formal independence. He said the term means maintaining sovereignty and a democratic way of life free from Chinese control. He said the United States has been consistent in supporting arms sales to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Trump told reporters he discussed arms sales with Xi in detail and would make decisions on future deliveries. Yui said Trump has not agreed to any Chinese demands and that past administrations, including Trump's first term, approved major arms sales to Taiwan.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the United States should continue arms sales to Taiwan. He said there is a large backlog of weapons already approved but not yet delivered. Gates said China is more likely to use pressure short of invasion, such as a blockade or cyber operations, to try to bring Taiwan under its control.

Gates said the only way to remove enriched uranium from Iran and end its nuclear program is through negotiation. He said the recent strikes damaged Iran's nuclear sites but did not solve the underlying problem. He said the United States cannot walk away from the issue and leave it to Israel.

Gates said he is concerned about the large number of senior military officials removed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He said the public and Congress deserve an explanation for the changes.