President Donald Trump’s approval rating has recently plummeted to its lowest level since his return to the White House, largely influenced by a sharp increase in fuel prices and widespread public dissatisfaction with the war he initiated against Iran. A four-day national poll, completed on Monday, revealed that only 36% of Americans currently approve of Trump’s overall job performance, marking a significant decline from 40% just one week earlier.
This downward trend in approval reflects growing concerns among the American public about the state of the economy and the rising cost of living, issues that have taken center stage since the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran on February 28. Gasoline prices have surged dramatically in the aftermath of these strikes, exacerbating economic anxieties. The poll found that a mere 25% of respondents expressed satisfaction with Trump’s management of the cost of living, a critical issue that was a cornerstone of his 2024 presidential campaign.
Furthermore, only 29% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, which represents the lowest economic approval rating during either of his presidential terms. This figure also falls below the economic approval ratings of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. The public’s apprehension about the economy, particularly the escalating cost of living, played a significant role in Biden’s electoral defeat, and Trump had campaigned on promises to revitalize the U.S. economy. Analysts suggest that these poll results indicate a president facing mounting public opposition amid a challenging political landscape.
Meanwhile, despite the overall decline in Trump’s approval, his standing within the Republican Party remains relatively stable. Approximately 80% of Republicans continue to support his performance in the White House, a figure that has seen little change from the previous week. However, there has been a noticeable increase in Republican dissatisfaction regarding his handling of the cost of living, which rose from 27% to 34% disapproval. Trump’s overall approval rating began at 47% during the early days of his presidency and had hovered around 40% since last summer. Although this is higher than the 33% low point during his first administration and slightly above Biden’s lowest rating of 35%, the ongoing conflict in Iran appears to be eroding public confidence.
It is worth noting that the war in Iran has become a significant factor in shaping public opinion. Trump initially took office promising to avoid “stupid wars,” yet the recent military actions have sparked controversy and concern. The poll showed that only 35% of Americans approve of the U.S. strikes on Iran, down from 37% the previous week, while 61% disapprove, an increase from 59%. Earlier surveys conducted immediately after the strikes allowed respondents to express uncertainty, but the latest poll removed this option, although 5% declined to answer the question about the war.
In a related development, 46% of those surveyed believe that the war in Iran will ultimately make the United States less safe in the long term, while only 26% think it will enhance national security. The remainder felt the conflict would have little impact either way. Despite recent statements from Trump suggesting that the war could soon conclude, Iran has denied that negotiations are underway. Reports also indicate that Washington plans to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, signaling a potential escalation.
The surge in gasoline prices has been particularly impactful, with the average cost per gallon rising by about one dollar since the conflict began. This increase is attributed to disruptions in oil shipments from the Middle East, a key global supplier. Experts warn that sustained high fuel prices could have far-reaching consequences for the broader economy. Currently, 63% of Americans describe the U.S. economy as either “somewhat weak” or “very weak,” including 40% of Republicans, 66% of independents, and 84% of Democrats.
Political strategists suggest that these economic and security concerns present a significant opportunity for Democrats to make gains in the upcoming midterm elections by focusing on issues traditionally associated with Republican strengths, such as national security, the economy, and immigration. However, despite Trump’s declining popularity, this has not translated into a clear advantage for Democrats. The poll indicates that 38% of registered voters believe Republicans are better suited to manage the economy, compared to 34% who favor Democrats. Republicans also maintain an edge on immigration and crime, while Democrats lead on healthcare and women’s rights.
The survey, conducted online across the United States, gathered responses from 1,272 adults and carries a margin of error of three percentage points. As the nation grapples with the economic fallout from the Iran conflict and rising fuel costs, the political landscape remains highly dynamic, with both parties positioning themselves ahead of the critical midterm elections in November.
