Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New Low: Inflation, Iran War Erode Support Amid Economic Discontent
- President Trump’s Approval Rating Plummets to 37% as Economic Discontent and Iran War Fallout Erode Support
- President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37%, the lowest point of his second term, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday.
- The drop underscores a sharp shift in public sentiment, with 69% of independents—a critical voting bloc for Republicans—now disapproving of Trump’s performance, up from 62% in January.
President Trump’s Approval Rating Plummets to 37% as Economic Discontent and Iran War Fallout Erode Support
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37%, the lowest point of his second term, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday. The decline—down 3% from January—reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and the escalating conflict with Iran, two issues that had driven his re-election campaign just 18 months ago.
The drop underscores a sharp shift in public sentiment, with 69% of independents—a critical voting bloc for Republicans—now disapproving of Trump’s performance, up from 62% in January. Among Republicans, approval remains strong, but even within the party, 37% disapprove of his handling of inflation, an 11-point increase since March.
Economic Concerns Drive Disapproval
The poll reveals deep unease over economic conditions. 64% of voters disapprove of Trump’s economic management, while 69% say his policies are worsening cost-of-living pressures. A separate CBS News poll found that 65% believe Trump’s policies are making the economy worse in the short term, and 59% report financial hardship due to higher gas prices—an 8% jump since April.
The data contrasts sharply with Trump’s early second-term optimism. When he returned to the White House in January 2025, 50% of Americans approved of his economic handling, per Echelon Insights. By April 2025, after he imposed global tariffs in a move dubbed ". Liberation Day", approval had slipped to 40%, according to Quinnipiac University.
Democrats are not faring better: 44% of Democratic voters remain dissatisfied with their party’s economic approach, while only 26% express satisfaction. Still, 35% of Americans believe Democrats have a better economic plan than Republicans (31%), per CBS.
Iran War Backlash Intensifies
The conflict with Iran has further eroded Trump’s standing. 65% of voters disapprove of his handling of the war, and 64% say going to war was the wrong decision, including 73% of independents. Only 23% believe the $29 billion (and rising) cost of "Operation Epic Fury"** has been justified.
Public confusion over the war’s objectives is widespread: 69% of Americans say they don’t understand what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, per CBS.
White House Pushes Back
In response, the White House defended Trump’s approach, citing long-term economic strategies. "The President does not make these national security decisions based on fluid opinion polls, but on the best interest of the American people," Olivia Wales, a White House spokesperson, told Axios in an emailed statement. "The Administration is focused on implementing the proven Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance to keep America on a solid economic trajectory."
Broader Political Fallout
The polling trends suggest November’s midterm elections could hinge on economic perceptions and war fatigue. With record retirements among House Republicans and GOP dissatisfaction rising, Trump’s ability to maintain congressional majorities may depend on reversing the downward trajectory in key swing districts.
For now, the numbers paint a clear picture: economic anxiety and war skepticism are reshaping the political landscape, forcing Trump to address both issues before the next electoral cycle.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 37%, the lowest point of his second term, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday. The decline—down 3% from January—reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and the escalating conflict with Iran, two issues that had driven his re-election campaign just 18 months ago.
The drop underscores a sharp shift in public sentiment, with 69% of independents—a critical voting bloc for Republicans—now disapproving of Trump’s performance, up from 62% in January. Among Republicans, approval remains strong, but even within the party, 37% disapprove of his handling of inflation, an 11-point increase since March.
Economic Concerns Drive Disapproval
The poll reveals deep unease over economic conditions. 64% of voters disapprove of Trump’s economic management, while 69% say his policies are worsening cost-of-living pressures. A separate CBS News poll found that 65% believe Trump’s policies are making the economy worse in the short term, and 59% report financial hardship due to higher gas prices—an 8% jump since April.
The data contrasts sharply with Trump’s early second-term optimism. When he returned to the White House in January 2025, 50% of Americans approved of his economic handling, per Echelon Insights. By April 2025, after he imposed global tariffs in a move dubbed “Liberation Day”, approval had slipped to 40%, according to Quinnipiac University.
Democrats are not faring better: 44% of Democratic voters remain dissatisfied with their party’s economic approach, while only 26% express satisfaction. Still, 35% of Americans believe Democrats have a better economic plan than Republicans (31%), per CBS.
Iran War Backlash Intensifies
The conflict with Iran has further eroded Trump’s standing. 65% of voters disapprove of his handling of the war, and 64% say going to war was the wrong decision, including 73% of independents. Only 23% believe the $29 billion (and rising) cost of “Operation Epic Fury” has been justified.
Public confusion over the war’s objectives is widespread: 69% of Americans say they don’t understand what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, per CBS.
White House Pushes Back
In response, the White House defended Trump’s approach, citing long-term economic strategies.
“The President does not make these national security decisions based on fluid opinion polls, but on the best interest of the American people,”
—Olivia Wales, White House spokesperson, via Axios
The statement added:
“The Administration is focused on implementing the proven Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance to keep America on a solid economic trajectory.”
Broader Political Fallout
The polling trends suggest November’s midterm elections could hinge on economic perceptions and war fatigue. With record retirements among House Republicans and GOP dissatisfaction rising, Trump’s ability to maintain congressional majorities may depend on reversing the downward trajectory in key swing districts.
For now, the numbers paint a clear picture: economic anxiety and war skepticism are reshaping the political landscape, forcing Trump to address both issues before the next electoral cycle.