Poll finds Donald Trump is ‘most trusted’ to run economy

Donald Trump is the Republican candidate most trusted to manage the economy, deal with foreign leaders and serve as commander in chief, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll of Republicans conducted after the party’s third debate.

And more would trust him with the nation’s nuclear weapons than most of the rest of their party’s presidential primary field.

In terms of overall support, Trump was favoured by 31% of Republicans in an online survey conducted from October 28 to November 2. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson came second with 18%.

The growing trust shows Trump’s campaign message, that his experience in business means voters should pick him to negotiate trade deals or take on Russia’s Vladimir Putin, is resonating.

On the question of whether voters trust the candidates to manage the economy, 59% said ‘yes’ to Trump.

When asked whether they trusted the various Republican candidates to be commander-in-chief, Trump and Carson were tied at 40% each.

On whom they trusted to deal with foreign leaders, Trump again took top marks, at 41%.

Asked about handling the nation’s nuclear weapons, another insight into voters’ views on foreign policy, Trump (34%) trailed only Carson (39%).