President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reached a record low of 33%, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week. The survey, conducted among 1,166 respondents, marks a decline from 35% the prior week and ties Trump’s lowest approval rating during his presidency. 64% of respondents disapproved of his job performance, reflecting growing dissatisfaction across multiple demographics.
The poll, which follows a period of economic strain and geopolitical tensions, highlights concerns over inflation, gas prices, and the ongoing conflict in Iran. 80% of respondents expect the war in Iran to persist for an extended period, while national average gas prices have risen from just under $3 per gallon to over $4 per gallon since the conflict began in February, according to AAA data. Year-over-year inflation has also increased from 2.4% in February to 3.4% in recent months, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
At a rally in New York, Trump defended the economic impact of the conflict, stating, “Remember that when you have to pay a little bit more, $4, it’s okay. I did the right thing. I’ll never apologize.”
Republican Support Eroding Amid Economic Anxiety
Trump’s approval among Republicans has dropped from 91% at the start of his second term to 79%, with the percentage of Republicans who “strongly support” his performance falling from 68% to 48%, according to the same poll. The decline is particularly pronounced among moderate Republicans, suburban women, and independents, who cite economic anxiety and foreign policy concerns as key factors. A separate poll by the Financial Times found that 53% of voters overall and 24% of Trump voters reported worsening economic conditions during his presidency.
Young conservatives under 45 and libertarian-leaning men have also shown waning support, with generational gaps widening. 70% of respondents expressed fears that the conflict in Iran could escalate into an “endless war.”
Policy Responses and Political Fallout
The economic strain has prompted lawmakers to clash over potential solutions, including proposals for a gas tax holiday. Critics argue that such measures may not address underlying inflationary pressures, while supporters contend they could provide immediate relief to consumers. Trump’s economic policies, including his affordability plan, have faced pushback from conservative factions, raising questions about the party’s unity ahead of the midterm elections.
The polling data underscores the challenges Trump faces in maintaining his coalition, particularly as economic concerns overshadow other policy achievements. The erosion of strong Republican support and the growing skepticism among key demographics signal a potentially difficult path for the president’s political agenda in the coming months.