WASHINGTON: Approval ratings for Donald Trump have fallen to their lowest level since his return to the White House, as rising fuel prices and growing discontent over the Iran conflict weigh on public sentiment, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The four-day survey, completed Monday, shows Trump’s approval at 36 percent, down from 40 percent the previous week. Public dissatisfaction has intensified particularly around economic management and the rising cost of living, with only 25 percent approving of his handling of inflation-related issues.
Economic approval stands at just 29 percent — the lowest across both of Trump’s presidencies — and below ratings recorded by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Analysts attribute the decline to a sharp increase in gasoline prices following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have disrupted global oil supplies.
While Trump retains strong backing within the Republican Party, concerns over living costs are rising even among his base, with disapproval on this issue climbing to 34 percent among Republicans.
Public opposition to the Iran war is also growing. Only 35 percent of Americans support the strikes, while 61 percent oppose them. Additionally, 46 percent believe the conflict will make the United States less safe in the long term.
Fuel prices have surged by nearly a dollar per gallon since the conflict began, raising fears of broader economic strain. Reflecting this, 63 percent of Americans now view the economy as weak.
Despite Trump’s declining popularity, Democrats have yet to gain a decisive advantage ahead of midterm elections, with 38 percent of voters still favoring Republicans on economic management compared to 34 percent for Democrats.
The nationwide online poll surveyed 1,272 adults and carries a margin of error of three percentage points.
By Reuters
