Donald Trump (AP image)
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest level of his current term, as Americans express growing dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living and the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new Reuters poll.The four-day survey, completed on Monday, found that 34% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in the White House. This is down from 36% in the previous Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between April 15 and 20.Most responses in the latest survey were collected before the Saturday night incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where Trump was expected to speak. A gunman was stopped before he could enter a hall where US President was dining. Federal prosecutors have charged the accused shooter with attempting to assassinate the president. Trump’s approval ratings have steadily declined since he returned to office in January 2025, when 47% of Americans approved of his performance.
Cost of living and Iran conflict drive discontent
The poll shows a sharp decline in approval related to economic concerns. Only 22% of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, down from 25% in the earlier survey. Public dissatisfaction has grown alongside a rise in fuel prices following the US and Israel’s military action against Iran on February 28. The conflict has contributed to a surge in global oil prices.US gasoline prices have increased by more than 40% to around $4.18 per gallon since the strikes began, after disruptions affected nearly a fifth of global oil trade. The price rise has added pressure on American households and raised concerns within Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.The poll also found that 78% of Republicans still support Trump overall. However, 41% of Republicans disapprove of his handling of the cost of living.Among independent voters, Democrats lead by 14 percentage points in a hypothetical congressional ballot, with 34% support compared to 20% for Republicans. One in four independents said they remain undecided.
War with Iran and energy concerns
The US conflict with Iran has eased after a ceasefire earlier this month, but ongoing tensions continue to disrupt oil shipments from the Persian Gulf. This has added further pressure on global energy supplies as reserves decline.Only 34% of Americans said they approve of the US handling of the conflict with Iran, down from 36% in mid-April and 38% in mid-March.Trump had campaigned on promises to reduce prices following years of high inflation under former President Joe Biden. However, his current economic approval rating stands at 27%, lower than any point during his first term and also below Biden’s lowest recorded economic rating.
