Trump Approval Dips Amid Iran War, Surging Fuel Prices
US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 36%, its lowest point since his return to the White House. This decline is largely attributed to surging fuel prices and widespread public disapproval of the ongoing conflict with Iran, initiated by US-Israeli coordinated strikes in late February 2026.
Key Highlights
- Trump's approval rating at 36%, a new low for his second term.
- Fuel prices are surging, reaching nearly $4 a gallon nationally.
- Public disapproval high for US-Israel coordinated strikes on Iran.
- Economic management and cost of living handling criticized by voters.
- Independents show significant loss of support for Trump.
- The Iran conflict is a major factor in public discontent.
US President Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted to 36%, marking his lowest point since his return to the White House, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on March 23, 2026. This represents a four-point drop from the previous week's 40% approval. The significant decline in public sentiment is primarily linked to surging domestic fuel prices and widespread disapproval of the ongoing military actions involving Iran.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that only 25% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the cost of living, a central issue in his 2024 presidential campaign, while just 29% approve of his economic stewardship overall. This economic approval is the lowest recorded across both of his presidencies, even falling below any economic approval rating of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Fuel prices have seen a sharp increase, with the national average price of gasoline nearing $4 a gallon, according to AAA, up significantly from $2.93 before the US military involvement in Iran began on February 28, 2026. This marks the highest gasoline price point since 2022. The rise in energy costs is directly attributed to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil.
The military engagement with Iran, often referred to as the 'Iran war' by various media outlets, began with coordinated strikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026. Public opinion polls indicate significant opposition to these actions. The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 61% of Americans disapprove of the US strikes on Iran, a slight increase from 59% the previous week, while only 35% approve. Furthermore, 46% of respondents believe the war in Iran will ultimately make the United States less safe in the long run, with only 26% believing it will enhance national security.
Beyond the Reuters/Ipsos findings, other polls corroborate this trend. An Economist/YouGov poll from March 13-16, 2026, indicated that Trump is notably losing support among Independent voters due to his handling of the situation in Iran. The poll showed that opinion among Independents regarding Trump's handling of Iran fell to 24% approval against 63% disapproval, a significant drop from the previous week. The overall economic outlook is also worsening, with Americans increasingly viewing the economy negatively.
Analysts suggest that these polls reflect a president facing considerable public opposition, especially given his past campaign promise to avoid 'stupid wars.' The confluence of rising household expenses and a contentious foreign policy engagement appears to be testing voters' patience and impacting Trump's political standing as a key issue for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Some prominent right-wing commentators have even expressed dissent over the war, arguing it contradicts Trump's 'America First' philosophy.
The administration has reportedly been attempting to mitigate rising energy costs, but efforts to date have seemingly not reassured a majority of the public, who continue to report financial impacts from the higher gas prices. The continued military involvement and its economic repercussions are central to the current political discourse in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donald Trump's current approval rating?
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on March 23, 2026, US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 36%, marking the lowest point since he returned to the White House.
Why are fuel prices surging in the US?
Fuel prices are surging in the US, with gasoline nearing $4 a gallon, primarily due to the ongoing US-Israeli coordinated strikes against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, and heightened tensions in the Middle East affecting global oil supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
What is the public's view on the US involvement in the Iran conflict?
Public sentiment largely disapproves of the US involvement in the Iran conflict. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows 61% of Americans disapprove of the US strikes on Iran, and 46% believe the conflict will make the United States less safe in the long run.
How has the Iran conflict impacted Trump's political support?
The Iran conflict has significantly impacted Trump's political support, particularly among Independent voters. An Economist/YouGov poll indicated a notable drop in approval among Independents regarding his handling of the situation in Iran, contributing to his overall low approval ratings.
When did the US-Israel coordinated strikes on Iran begin?
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, according to multiple news reports.
