Trump Approval Falls to 36% Amid Iran War, Fuel Surge

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit a new low, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction over economic conditions and the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey.

The four-day poll, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and completed on Monday, found that only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, a sharp decline from 40% recorded just a week earlier. The figure marks the lowest approval rating of his current presidency.

Despite the drop, Trump’s support within the Republican Party remains relatively stable, with only a minority expressing dissatisfaction with his overall performance.

Americans’ views of Trump have deteriorated significantly regarding his handling of the economy and the rising cost of living. Just 25% of respondents approve of his approach to living costs, a central issue during his 2024 election campaign.

Approval of Trump’s economic management stands at 29%, the lowest level across both of his presidencies and below any economic rating recorded by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Concerns over inflation and household expenses continue to dominate voter sentiment.

The poll highlights the economic impact of the Iran war, with gasoline prices in the United States rising by roughly one dollar per gallon since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on February 28. The conflict has disrupted oil shipments from the Middle East, raising concerns about broader economic consequences.

Experts warn that sustained increases in fuel costs could further weaken the economy, with 63% of Americans now describing economic conditions as “somewhat weak” or “very weak.”

Public sentiment toward the Iran conflict is increasingly negative. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 35% of Americans approve of the U.S. strikes on Iran, down from 37% the previous week, while 61% disapprove.

Additionally, 46% of respondents believe the war will make the United States less safe in the long term, compared to just 26% who think it will improve national security.

Analysts say the findings underscore mounting political challenges for Trump as he navigates both foreign policy and domestic economic pressures. While his popularity has declined, this has not translated into a decisive advantage for Democrats.

According to the poll, 38% of registered voters trust Republicans more on the economy, compared to 34% who favor Democrats. Republicans also lead on immigration and crime, while Democrats hold an edge on healthcare and women’s rights.

The nationwide online survey, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos among 1,272 U.S. adults, carries a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points, highlighting a deeply divided electorate as the November midterm elections approach.