WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plunged to its lowest point since his return to the White House, reaching just 36% as Americans express growing discontent over surging fuel prices and the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week. The four-day survey completed Monday marks a significant drop from 40% approval recorded last week, reflecting mounting public anxiety about economic stability and foreign policy decisions.
The poll reveals particularly stark disapproval of Trump’s handling of economic issues that were central to his 2024 presidential campaign. Only 25% of Americans approve of his management of the cost of living, while just 29% support his overall economic stewardship – the lowest rating of either Trump administration and below any economic approval rating recorded by his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. “It’s important that people know that the president feels their pain and that help is on the way,” said Republican political strategist Amanda Makki, acknowledging the administration’s challenges.
Fuel prices have emerged as a critical pressure point, with the average price of gasoline surging by approximately one dollar per gallon since the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28. The conflict has severely disrupted oil shipments from the Middle East, creating ripple effects throughout the global economy. Experts warn that persistently higher fuel costs could trigger broader economic consequences, with 63% of Americans already describing the U.S. economy as “somewhat weak” or “very weak” in the latest survey.
Public sentiment toward the Iran conflict continues to deteriorate, with only 35% of Americans approving of the U.S. strikes – down from 37% last week – while 61% express disapproval. The war represents a significant departure from Trump’s campaign promise to avoid “stupid wars,” and 46% of respondents believe the conflict will make the United States less safe in the long term. Despite Trump’s recent suggestions that the war could soon wind down, Iran has disputed claims that negotiations are underway, and Reuters reports Washington is preparing to send thousands of additional troops to the region.
While Trump maintains relatively strong support within his own party, with only about one in five Republicans disapproving of his overall performance, cracks are emerging even among his base. The share of Republicans who disapprove of his handling of the cost of living has risen to 34%, up from 27% last week. The president’s current approval rating remains slightly above the 33% low point of his first administration and marginally higher than Biden’s lowest rating of 35%, but analysts note the downward trend signals significant public opposition.
The convergence of economic pressures and foreign policy concerns presents a formidable challenge for the administration as it navigates both domestic discontent and international tensions. With fuel prices continuing to climb and the Iran conflict showing no immediate resolution, the White House faces mounting pressure to address Americans’ economic anxieties while managing an increasingly complex geopolitical situation.
Source: ARY News