Trump Approval Rating Hits Record Low Amid Economic Woes and Iran War Backlash

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit another low point, according to multiple recent polls, as Americans grow increasingly concerned about the economy and the consequences of his aggressive stance on Iran. The latest Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows Trump’s approval sinking to 42 percent—his lowest in a year—and slipping even further in other surveys, with some putting it near 37 percent.

The sharp decline comes amid rising gas prices, which have surged 34 percent since the Iran conflict began in late February, pushing the national average to nearly $4 a gallon. Eighty-five percent of voters express worry that these higher fuel costs will drive up the overall cost of living, and more than half say the economy is worse under Trump than it was under President Joe Biden. This economic anxiety is a critical factor driving Trump’s waning support.

While the polls reveal a complex picture on the Iran war—with about 52 percent supporting U.S. airstrikes—most voters disapprove of how Trump is handling the conflict. A majority believe the war has no clear direction, and 59 percent say it has gone too far. Even some Republicans and prominent right-wing figures have begun to distance themselves from Trump’s approach, criticizing it as a betrayal of his “America First” promises.

Trump’s approval remains strong within his Republican base, with 86 percent support, but independents overwhelmingly disapprove of his job performance. This partisan divide underscores the growing challenge Trump faces in broadening his appeal beyond his core supporters.

As the midterm elections loom, Trump’s plummeting approval ratings signal trouble for his political ambitions. The combination of economic pain and foreign policy missteps is eroding his standing with voters, who increasingly see the country on the wrong track under his leadership.

In sum, Trump’s record-low approval ratings reflect a broader pattern of public dissatisfaction tied to economic hardship and controversial foreign policy decisions. With inflation biting and uncertainty mounting, the Trump presidency is facing a critical test of accountability and political survival.