Trump Approval Stays at Career Low as Iran War and Economy Weigh on GOP

Trump approval remains at its lowest level of his political career, with only 33% of Americans saying they approve of his performance as president, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

The result marks the third consecutive Reuters/Ipsos survey in which 33% of respondents approved of Trump’s job performance.

The poll points to growing frustration over the war in Iran and the Republican Party’s handling of the economy.

Trump’s standing could also become a challenge for Republicans. The party will defend narrow majorities in Congress during the November 3 midterm elections.

Democrats show stronger election enthusiasm

Democrats appear more motivated to vote than Republicans, according to the survey.

About 46% of self-identified Democrats said they were “very enthusiastic” about voting in November.

Only 31% of Republicans expressed the same level of enthusiasm.

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The poll surveyed 1,167 adults across the United States.

Among independent voters, 36% said they would vote for a Democratic candidate if congressional elections took place today.

Only 22% said they would support a Republican candidate.

Trump rating remains below early-term support

Trump’s approval rating has remained around its current level since mid-August.

The figure has only briefly appeared at such a low level during his first presidency.

His current rating also sits well below the 47% approval he received early in his second term.

Trump’s rating is now below the lowest level recorded by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Biden’s approval fell to 35% in October 2024.

Iran war fuels public discontent

The conflict with Iran has emerged as a major source of dissatisfaction with Trump.

Only 36% of Americans said they approved of his handling of the war, according to the poll.

Gasoline prices have also increased since Trump ordered US strikes on Iran in February.

The conflict has experienced periods of reduced fighting. However, Iran and the United States have exchanged missile strikes in recent days.

Iran has also largely restricted a major transit route for the global oil trade since the war began.

The conflict has therefore added pressure to fuel prices and the wider cost of living.

Cost of living remains a major concern

Inflation continues to hurt Trump’s standing with voters.

Around 71% of Americans said they disapproved of his handling of the cost of living.

That figure included four in 10 Republicans.

Economic concerns could prove especially important during the midterm campaign.

For the past month, registered voters have given the Democratic Party an advantage when asked which party has better economic ideas.

The shift marks the first time in about a decade that Democrats have led Republicans on the issue in the Reuters/Ipsos polling trend.

GOP faces a difficult midterm outlook

The findings suggest that Trump’s political standing could become a liability for Republicans.

The party faces competitive races as it seeks to protect its slim congressional majorities.

Democrats, meanwhile, are showing stronger enthusiasm among their supporters.

The poll was conducted over four days and surveyed 1,167 US adults nationwide.

It has a margin of error of three percentage points in either direction.