Last week, I ran a LinkedIn poll asking a simple question about Tariff’s:

“Do you support President Trump’s recent tariffs that are meant to address trade imbalances?”

Here’s how 153 professionals responded:

📈 48% said Yes
📉 42% said No
🤔 9% were Undecided

It’s a nearly even split — which raises an important question: How stable is that support if the economic impact grows? And more importantly for business leaders: How might this affect hiring and talent strategies in the weeks ahead?

In just two days, U.S. stock markets have lost $2 trillion in value. While the tariffs may aim to correct trade imbalances, there’s growing concern about their ripple effect on operating costs, supply chains, and ultimately — how companies attract and retain talent.

Here’s what I’m watching:
Will companies freeze or slow hiring if markets remain volatile?

Will tariffs cause uncertainty in industries dependent on imported goods or global trade?

How will this uncertainty impact the talent pipeline and recruiting timelines?

At Ridgeback Recruiting, we work with companies across manufacturing, technology, and logistics — industries that often feel trade disruptions first. While long-term policy shifts may yield benefits, businesses still need to make hiring decisions now, and need talent ready to move forward in uncertain conditions.

This poll was just one snapshot, but it’s part of a larger conversation happening in real time. The intersection of tariffs, hiring, and talent strategy is more important than ever — especially for small and mid-sized companies navigating these challenges without massive buffers.

Let me know — would your team feel differently about these tariffs if uncertainty continues?