A recent Daily Mail/JL Partners poll indicates widespread voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's handling of the Iran war and the rising cost of living in the United States. The survey results, published September 2, 2026, highlight growing frustrations that could impact the Republican party as the midterm elections approach.
The poll reveals that criticism of the administration's policies has reached even among Trump's core supporters. More than 40 percent of voters who supported Trump in the 2024 election stated that the president has not adequately addressed inflation or the cost of living crisis. The report links the increased cost of living, in part, to the ongoing conflict with Iran and Trump's implemented tariffs.
Iran Conflict and Public Opinion
The United States military released footage this week depicting strikes on Iranian coastal targets along a 300-mile stretch of the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has asserted that Iran's economy is collapsing and stated that the US holds near-total control of the Strait. The conflict has now entered its seventh month.
According to the poll, nearly half of all US voters, or 49 percent, believe that launching military action in Iran earlier this year was a mistake. Support for the war's progress shows partisan divides, with 52 percent of Republicans believing the US is winning, compared to 11 percent of Democrats and 13 percent of independents.
Furthermore, 42 percent of voters hold President Trump most responsible for the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Iranian government was blamed by 17 percent of voters, and former US administrations by 9 percent.
Economic Concerns and Troop Deployment
The survey also probed voters' preferences regarding the financial implications of the conflict. An 'eye-popping' 46 percent of US voters indicated they would rather pay $5 per gallon for gasoline than deploy additional American troops to Iran. Only 22 percent expressed the opposite preference.
Among Republicans, this preference was nearly evenly split, with 38 percent favoring higher gas costs and 39 percent favoring the deployment of more troops.
Average gas prices in the US have remained above $4 per gallon, attributed to increased crude oil costs driven by the war and instability in the Strait of Hormuz. August saw record-breaking average gas prices exceeding $4 daily for the first time, according to AAA.
Cost of Living and Inflation
The high cost of living continues to be a significant factor impacting approval rates. Consumer prices have steadily increased, contributing to persistent inflation that affects the cost of groceries, home loans, and other essentials. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 0.1 percent rise in consumer prices from July to August, bringing the annual inflation rate to 3.4 percent, a slight decrease from the previous month.
The Daily Mail/JL Partners survey polled over one thousand registered US voters nationwide between August 28 and August 31, with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.