Trump's Approval Rating Hits Career Low Amid Economic and War Concerns

President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 32%, the lowest point of his political career, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The decline comes as Republicans show growing discontent with his administration's handling of the cost of living and the protracted war in Iran.

The poll, conducted over four days ending Sunday, revealed a dip in Trump's overall approval from 35% in the previous week's survey. Support among Republicans specifically dropped to 73% from 82%.

Since taking office in January 2025 with promises to curb inflation and end foreign conflicts, Trump's approval has steadily declined. An initial Reuters/Ipsos poll shortly after his inauguration showed him with a 47% approval rating.

Economic concerns appear to be a major factor, with only 17% of respondents approving of Trump's management of the cost of living, identified as the top issue influencing voters in the upcoming November midterm elections.

Iran War's Impact

Dissatisfaction among Republicans regarding inflation has intensified since Trump initiated the war in Iran in February, which has led to a sharp increase in gasoline and diesel prices. For the first time, more Republicans disapprove of Trump's handling of the cost of living than approve, with a 51% disapproval rate compared to 44% approval.

Trump's current approval rating is lower than that of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, whose presidency also faced challenges with surging inflation. Biden's lowest approval rating was 35% in late October 2024.

Only 34% of poll respondents approve of the strikes on Iran. The conflict has significantly disrupted global oil and gas supplies, with potential implications for further inflation in the U.S. as businesses pass on higher fuel costs to consumers.

Despite Trump's initial assertion that the conflict would be brief and his recent pledge to end the war immediately after the election, Iran has shown no signs of capitulation. Tehran and its allies have continued to threaten disruptions to oil markets.

An overwhelming 82% of poll respondents, including nine in ten Democrats and three-quarters of Republicans, believe the conflict will continue for an extended period.

Midterm Election Outlook

The Reuters/Ipsos poll also indicated a shift in voter preference for the upcoming midterm elections. Registered voters expressed a preference for Democrats over Republicans by an 8-point margin (43% to 35%), the largest lead for Democrats in Reuters/Ipsos polling this year. A loss of control in either chamber of Congress could impede Trump's agenda for the remaining two years of his term.

While the poll provides a national overview of congressional voting intentions, it does not encompass the intricacies of state-by-state and district-by-district contests that ultimately determine control of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Other Issues

Trump maintains strong support among Republicans on immigration, with 79% of his party backing his approach. However, overall public approval stands at only 36%, with 55% disapproving. Some Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns that his deportation policies could alienate voters with recently immigrated family members.

Regarding crime, 35% of poll respondents approve of Trump's strategy, while 50% disapprove.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,277 U.S. adults online nationwide and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.