Donald Trump’s Approval Rating Falls to 33% as Iran War Drags On: Poll
Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, as Americans express growing concerns over the prolonged US-Iran war, rising oil prices and its economic impact.
US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, its lowest level of his current presidency, as the ongoing US-Iran war fuels concerns among Americans about the duration and economic consequences of the conflict.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 64% of respondents disapproved of Trump's performance, while only 33% approved. The approval figure was down from 35% in an earlier poll conducted this month.
The 33% rating also matches Trump's lowest approval rating during his first presidency, recorded in December 2017.
The poll surveyed 1,166 US adults and had a margin of error of approximately three percentage points.
Americans Expect a Long War
The survey indicates that the length of the Iran conflict is becoming a major concern for Americans.
Around 80% of respondents said they believe US involvement in Iran will continue for an extended period. That view was shared by 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans.
Only 16% of those surveyed expected the conflict to end within a few weeks.
The findings could be particularly significant for Trump because he campaigned on promises to control inflation and avoid lengthy foreign wars. The conflict has now continued beyond his initial expectation that it would be resolved within weeks.
Oil Disruption Adds Economic Pressure
The war has also created economic concerns for American households.
The conflict has disrupted a significant portion of global oil trade, while restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher energy prices.
Iran's continued restrictions on maritime traffic have kept oil shipments disrupted even as the intensity of fighting has reportedly declined.
Higher petrol prices could become an increasingly sensitive political issue if they persist, particularly as Americans continue to deal with broader concerns about household costs.
Political Risk Ahead of Midterm Elections
The decline in Trump's approval rating could create difficulties for the president and Republican lawmakers ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump entered the conflict promising a relatively rapid resolution, but the continuing war and uncertainty over its end have raised questions about whether the administration can deliver on its promise.
The combination of higher fuel prices, fears of a prolonged war and continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could make the conflict a political liability.
For Trump, the latest poll represents a significant warning: while the administration continues to pursue its military and diplomatic objectives against Iran, a growing share of Americans appear concerned that the conflict could last much longer and cost much more than initially expected.
