President Donald Trump on Thursday defended his administration’s military actions against Iran, asserting that Americans ‘respect’ the efforts to prevent the Islamic regime from obtaining nuclear weapons. His remarks came as polling data showed a decline in his approval ratings, with critics linking the drop to concerns over a potential prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Trump rejects polling, claims public support for Iran strategy
In a radio interview with Michael Cohen, Trump stated that the public understands the administration’s stance on Iran, emphasizing that the regime ‘can never have a nuclear weapon.’ ‘I think the public sees what we’re doing,’ he said. ‘I think they appreciate it and they respect it.’ His comments followed Democratic attacks on the administration’s handling of the situation, particularly regarding rising energy prices tied to regional tensions.
Approval ratings fall amid midterm election concerns
A mid-August Reuters-Ipsos poll indicated a decline in Trump’s approval rating, with voters citing fears of a prolonged war with Iran as a contributing factor. The poll’s findings reflect broader concerns about the administration’s performance on key campaign promises, including economic stability and foreign policy. According to the Silver Bulletin polling average maintained by statistician Nate Silver, Trump’s net approval rating dropped from positive 11.6 points on January 21, 2025, to roughly negative 19.6 points by August 20, 2026. At that time, 37.1% of respondents approved of his job performance, while 56.7% disapproved.
Policy shifts and political fallout
Trump’s second term began with a focus on immigration and economic issues, which initially bolstered his approval ratings. However, subsequent policy decisions—including the ‘Liberation Day’ tariff rollout in April 2025, the Justice Department’s closure of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, and the government shutdown—contributed to a steady decline. The administration’s military engagement in Iran, launched in spring 2026, has further intensified scrutiny, with critics arguing it has exacerbated economic pressures and strained public support.
Immigration remains a relative strength despite erosion
Immigration was a cornerstone of Trump’s 2024 campaign, with promises to close the border and launch large-scale deportations. While immigration remains his best-rated issue, his approval on this front has weakened since taking office. The Silver Bulletin average placed him at positive 7 points on immigration on January 21, 2025, with a peak near positive 11 points in early March before declining to negative territory by mid-2026.
Energy prices and economic concerns rise to the forefront
Democrats have seized on rising energy prices, attributing them to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and framing it as a consequence of the administration’s foreign policy decisions. The administration has countered that its actions are necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, a stance Trump reiterated in his interview. The economic impact of these policies, including fuel costs and inflation, has become a central issue in the 2026 midterm elections, with both parties framing the debate around affordability and national security.