Trump approval falls to 33%, lowest of his presidency, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, marking the lowest point of his current presidency, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll that reflects growing concerns among Americans about the war with Iran, gasoline prices and the economy.
The four-day survey found that 64% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance in the White House. His 33% approval rating represents a decline from 35% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted earlier this month and is now tied with the lowest level recorded during his first presidency in December 2017.
The latest numbers come at a difficult time for Trump as his administration continues to deal with the consequences of the U.S. conflict with Iran. The war has affected global oil markets and contributed to higher gasoline prices in the United States, increasing pressure on American households.
Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 with approval from just under half of Americans, but his standing has deteriorated during his second term. The latest poll suggests that the decline has become particularly pronounced as voters confront the economic consequences of the conflict and question how long U.S. involvement in Iran will continue.
A large majority of Americans surveyed said they believe the conflict will last much longer than initially expected. About 80% said they thought U.S. involvement in Iran would continue for an extended period, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans. Only 16% believed the conflict was likely to end within a few weeks.
The findings are significant because Trump campaigned on promises to control inflation and avoid prolonged foreign conflicts. The administration’s handling of Iran has therefore become an increasingly important issue as voters evaluate whether the president is delivering on those commitments.
Higher fuel prices have added another layer of frustration. The conflict has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes, contributing to concerns about the cost of gasoline and other goods.
Economic issues are also becoming a political vulnerability for Republicans. According to the Reuters/Ipsos survey, 38% of voters said Democrats would do a better job handling the economy, compared with 35% who favored Republicans. Reuters noted that this marked the first time in about a decade that Democrats held an advantage on the question in its polling.
The shift could have major consequences as the United States approaches the November midterm elections. Republicans currently face the challenge of defending their congressional majorities while Democratic candidates seek to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the administration.
Immigration, traditionally one of Trump’s strongest political issues, is also showing signs of becoming less dominant. The poll found that 40% of registered voters believed Republicans had a better approach to immigration, compared with 38% who preferred Democrats. That two-point Republican advantage represents a sharp change from January 2025, when Republicans held a 26-point lead on the issue.
Trump’s declining approval rating does not necessarily mean that his political support has disappeared. The president continues to maintain a strong base within the Republican Party, and partisan divisions remain significant. However, the poll indicates that dissatisfaction is broadening beyond individual policy disputes and increasingly touching on the economy, energy prices and foreign policy.
The latest Reuters/Ipsos survey included 1,166 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of approximately three percentage points.
The 33% approval figure is particularly notable because it matches the lowest rating Trump recorded during his first term. His current decline also comes months before the 2026 midterm elections, when voters will decide control of Congress.
For the White House, the poll represents another warning sign at a politically sensitive moment. Trump has repeatedly emphasized economic strength and his ability to deliver results, but rising costs and uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict are increasingly shaping public perceptions of his presidency.
Whether the decline proves temporary or becomes a longer-term political problem will depend on developments in the economy, gasoline prices, the Iran conflict and the administration’s ability to address voters’ concerns in the months ahead.
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