The approval rating of US President Donald Trump has fallen to its lowest level since his return to the White House, reflecting mounting pressure from rising living costs and growing controversy surrounding the conflict with Iran.
According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over four days and released earlier this week, only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, down from 40% in the previous survey. The decline signals increasing public dissatisfaction at a time when economic concerns are dominating voter priorities.
One of the primary drivers behind the drop in approval ratings is the sharp rise in fuel prices across the United States. Since late February, when US and Israeli forces carried out airstrikes targeting Iran, gasoline prices have increased by approximately $1 per gallon.
This surge is largely attributed to concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East—a region critical to global oil markets. Higher fuel costs have a cascading effect, driving up transportation, production, and service expenses across the economy.
As a result, public approval of Trump’s handling of the cost of living has dropped to just 25%. Meanwhile, approval of his economic management stands at 29%—the lowest level across his terms and even below that of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
The survey also found that 63% of Americans describe the economy as “weak” or “very weak,” underscoring the growing pessimism among voters.
The ongoing conflict with Iran is also significantly shaping public opinion. Only 35% of respondents support US military strikes, down from 37% previously, while 61% oppose them.
These figures highlight increasing skepticism among Americans regarding both the effectiveness and consequences of US military involvement in the region.
Beyond political disagreement, the conflict is fueling broader concerns about national security. Approximately 46% of respondents believe that the war with Iran will make the United States less safe in the long term.
This perception presents a major challenge for the Trump administration, as foreign policy decisions increasingly influence domestic approval ratings.
Analysts suggest the poll results reflect growing difficulties for Trump, particularly as economic strength was a central pillar of his 2024 campaign messaging.
Rising living costs risk undermining the narrative of a strong and resilient economy—once a key advantage for the president.
Despite the overall decline, support within the Republican Party remains relatively solid. However, signs of dissatisfaction are emerging, with the share of Republican voters unhappy with the handling of living costs rising to 34%, up from 27% in the previous survey.
This indicates that pressure is not only coming from opposition voters but also from within Trump’s own political base.
Despite Trump’s declining approval rating, this has not yet translated into a clear advantage for Democrats. According to the survey, 38% of voters believe Republicans handle the economy better, compared to 34% for Democrats.
This suggests that confidence in Republican economic leadership remains intact, even amid current challenges.
The poll also reveals a divided electorate across key policy areas:
This division highlights the increasingly issue-based nature of voter decision-making in the United States.
Experts warn that sustained high fuel prices could ripple through the broader economy, increasing inflationary pressures. This is particularly concerning as the US economy continues its recovery phase.
Higher energy costs reduce consumer purchasing power, which in turn can slow economic growth. This dynamic is likely to remain a key factor influencing public sentiment and political outcomes in the coming months.
The decline in President Donald Trump’s approval rating underscores the dual challenges facing his administration: domestic economic strain and external geopolitical instability.
With fuel prices rising and the Iran conflict showing no signs of easing, public confidence may remain under pressure. However, the broader US political landscape remains fluid, suggesting that the balance of power could shift as new developments unfold.