Trump Approval Hits Presidency Low at 33% as Iran War Concerns Grow

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 33%, the lowest point of his current presidency, according to a four-day Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded Monday. That figure marks a decline from 35% recorded in a poll that closed earlier this month, with 64% of respondents saying they disapprove of his performance in office. The rating now matches the lowest level Trump reached during his first term, recorded back in December 2017.

Iran Conflict Weighs Heavily on Public Opinion

Trump returned to office in 2025 with just under half the country approving of his leadership, but his popularity took a hit after he ordered strikes on Iran alongside Israel. The resulting conflict disrupted roughly a fifth of global oil trade, driving up gasoline prices that have squeezed American households and created political headwinds for Republicans heading into November’s midterm elections.

Trump had originally predicted the conflict would last only a few weeks, but Iran has continued restricting oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz even as fighting has eased. The poll found that 80% of Americans, including large majorities of both Democrats and Republicans, believe U.S. involvement in Iran will continue for an extended period, while only 16% expect a resolution within weeks.

Trump Defends Rising Gas Prices

Speaking at a political rally in New York on Friday, Trump argued that paying more for gasoline was a worthwhile tradeoff to prevent what he described as a dangerous country from acquiring nuclear weapons, one of his stated justifications for the conflict. Throughout the war, he has shifted between warning of further escalation and suggesting a peace agreement could be close. According to the poll, only about one in five Americans, and roughly half of Republicans, believe the war has been worth the cost.

Political Stakes Rise Ahead of Midterms

Concerns over the war and gas prices have left Republicans increasingly anxious about defending their narrow House majority in the November 3 elections, while Democrats now see a realistic path to retaking the Senate as well. Recent polling has also shown voters favoring Democrats over Republicans on economic stewardship for the first time in roughly a decade, with 38% trusting Democrats to handle the economy compared to 35% favoring Republicans. Democrats also hold an edge on cost-of-living concerns.

Immigration Remains a Republican Strength, But Margin Narrows

Immigration policy has remained one of the stronger issues for Republicans throughout Trump’s term, supported by a steep drop in border crossings and an aggressive nationwide enforcement campaign. However, that advantage has narrowed following deadly incidents and a rise in detentions, including of children. The latest poll found 40% of registered voters favor the Republican approach to immigration compared to 38% who favor Democrats, a two-point gap that represents the smallest margin of Trump’s term, down sharply from a 26-point Republican lead in January 2025.