US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has declined to the lowest level of his presidency, with a significant majority of Americans expressing concern that the ongoing conflict with Iran could last for an extended period. A recent four-day survey ending Monday revealed that only 33% of respondents approve of Trump’s performance, while 64% disapprove. This represents a drop from 35% earlier this month and matches the lowest rating he experienced during his first term in December 2017.
Trump returned to the White House in 2025 with nearly half of the nation supporting him, but his popularity has diminished this year following his decision to authorize strikes on Iran in coordination with Israel. The conflict has disrupted about 20% of global oil trade, causing gasoline prices to rise and impacting American households. This situation has also complicated efforts by Republicans to maintain their congressional majorities ahead of the November midterm elections.
Notably, 80% of Americans, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, believe that US involvement in Iran will continue for a prolonged period. Only 16% expect the conflict to conclude within a few weeks.
At a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday, Trump defended the higher gasoline prices, stating that paying “a tiny little bit more for your gasoline” is justified to prevent “a very evil country” from acquiring nuclear weapons, which he cited as a key reason for the war.
Throughout the conflict, Trump has alternated between threatening escalation and suggesting that a peace agreement is near. However, only 20% of Americans—and just half of Republicans—believe the war has been worthwhile, the latest poll.
Concerns over the war and rising fuel costs have made Republicans anxious about retaining their narrow majority in the US House of Representatives in the November 3 elections. Meanwhile, Democrats increasingly view the US Senate as within their reach.
Recent polling indicates that voters now favor Democrats over Republicans as better economic managers for the first time in about a decade. The survey showed 38% of voters believe Democrats will handle the economy more effectively, compared to 35% who prefer the Republican approach. Democrats are also perceived as better equipped to address the cost of living.
On immigration, the Republican stance has remained more popular throughout Trump’s term, aided by a sharp decline in border crossings and a sustained nationwide crackdown ordered by Trump. However, Republicans are losing ground amid deadly confrontations and a surge in detainees, including children. Currently, 40% of registered voters favor the Republican approach to immigration policy, while 38% support the Democrats—a narrow 2-point margin, down from a 26-point lead in January 2025.
The online poll surveyed 1,166 US adults nationwide and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
