6 in 10 Americans Slam Trump’s Mishandling of Iran War, Including 1 in 5 Republicans

The Trump administration’s manufactured war with Iran is unraveling politically as a new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll finds six in ten Americans disapprove of how President Trump is managing the conflict. This includes a notable 22% of Republicans—up from 15% in March—signaling cracks in the party’s base over what many see as a costly and unnecessary foreign entanglement.

Since late February, U.S. strikes against Iran have killed hundreds of Iranians and left thousands wounded, while at least 13 American service members have died in action. The conflict has also sent oil and gas prices soaring, disrupting supply chains and driving up everyday costs for food and fertilizer. According to the poll, 63% of Americans blame Trump directly for the spike in gas prices, a critical economic pressure point as the November midterms approach.

Despite Trump’s recent claims of “great progress” toward ending the war, the public remains unconvinced. Sixty-one percent believe the military action has done more harm than good, reflecting deep skepticism about the administration’s shifting justifications—from regime change and nuclear threats to now protecting shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tried to separate this naval escort mission from the broader war, but the public sees through the spin.

The war’s unpopularity compounds broader dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership. The poll shows 62% believe Trump has weakened America’s standing globally—the worst rating on this question since 2017. Independent voters, who make up a crucial swing bloc, disapprove at a rate of 64%, and economic frustration is mobilizing both angry Democrats and disillusioned independents alike.

Political analysts warn this toxic mix of foreign policy failure and economic pain could spell disaster for Republicans. Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report points to depressed GOP turnout driven by economic woes, while Lee Miringoff of Marist calls the current political climate “a really dangerous place” for the party heading into midterms.

Voices from the electorate reflect this divide. Some independents like Kevin Dixon see Trump’s Iran policy as a necessary step toward peace, while others like Jack Clay view it as a reckless “forever war” that has left the U.S. begging for a reset on the very issues it claimed to resolve.

As the war grinds on with no end in sight, Trump’s gamble to escalate conflict with Iran looks more like a self-inflicted wound—one that is costing lives, wrecking the economy, and imperiling his party’s political future. The American people are watching, and their verdict is clear: enough is enough.