A new NBC News poll released this week shows President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains at 36%, unchanged from previous surveys, as voter concerns over the U.S.-Iran conflict and rising gas prices weigh on public sentiment. The findings, based on responses from 7,105 adults collected between August 20 and September 1, also reveal a notable shift in Republican enthusiasm for Trump’s handling of the Iran war and his overall job performance.
Trump’s Approval Holds Steady While GOP Enthusiasm Declines
The latest NBC News Decision Desk poll indicates that 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, while 69% disapprove—figures largely unchanged since spring polling. However, the survey highlights a sharp drop in strong Republican approval for Trump’s conflict management. Among Republicans, the share of those who strongly approve of Trump’s Iran war handling fell 18 percentage points since spring, now standing at 30%. For self-identified MAGA Republicans, strong approval dropped by 21 points.
This decline in intensity extends to Trump’s overall job performance. The percentage of Republicans who strongly approve of Trump’s presidency fell from 52% in spring to 41%, marking the first time this figure has dipped below 50% in NBC News Decision Desk polling. Despite this softening, 80% of Republicans still approve of Trump’s job performance, underscoring that while enthusiasm wanes, broad party support remains intact.
U.S.-Iran Tensions Persist Amid Polling Context
The poll’s findings arrive as the U.S. and Iran remain in a volatile standoff, despite a June agreement aimed at easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Recent weeks have seen both nations exchange military actions, raising concerns that the conflict may be entering a prolonged new phase rather than de-escalating. The survey’s timing coincides with midterm elections less than two months away, with Republicans previously viewing several seats as safe now considered competitive.
Republican Concerns Over Gas Prices and War Policy
Voter dissatisfaction with high gas prices and the ongoing Iran conflict appears to be influencing perceptions of Trump’s leadership. The NBC poll suggests that while overall Republican approval remains high, the intensity of that support is softening, particularly among those who had previously expressed strong backing for Trump’s policies. Analysts note that this shift could have implications for GOP turnout and messaging ahead of the November elections.
The White House has not yet publicly responded to the poll’s findings.