President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest level of his current term, according to a new Reuters poll, as Americans express dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living and the ongoing conflict with Iran.The four-day poll, completed Monday, found that 34% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in the White House. This is down from 36% in the previous Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted between April 15 and 20.
Most of the responses in the latest survey were collected ahead of Saturday night’s event at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where Trump was expected to speak. A gunman was stopped before entering the hall where the US President was dining. Federal prosecutors have charged the accused shooter with attempting to assassinate the president.Trump’s approval ratings have declined steadily since returning to office in January 2025, when 47% of Americans approved of his performance.
cost of living and Iran conflict foster discontent
The survey shows a sharp decline in approval related to economic concerns. Only 22% of respondents approved of the way Trump is handling the cost of living, down from 25% in an earlier survey.Public discontent has increased as fuel prices have increased following US and Israeli military action against Iran on February 28. The conflict has contributed to a rise in global oil prices.U.S. gasoline prices have risen more than 40% to about $4.18 a gallon since the strike began, as disruptions have affected about a fifth of global oil trade. The price increases have increased pressure on American families and raised concerns within Trump’s Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.The poll also found that 78% of Republicans still support Trump overall. However, 41% of Republicans disapprove of his management of the cost of living.Among independent voters, Democrats lead by 14 percentage points in a hypothetical congressional ballot, with 34% support compared to 20% for Republicans. One in four independent candidates said they were undecided.
War with Iran and energy concerns
The US conflict with Iran has eased following a ceasefire earlier this month, but ongoing tensions are disrupting oil shipments from the Persian Gulf. This has increased further pressure on global energy supply due to decline in reserves.Only 34% of Americans said they approve of the US’s handling of the conflict with Iran, down from 36% in mid-April and 38% in mid-March.Trump campaigned on a promise to lower prices after years of high inflation under former President Joe Biden. However, his current economic approval rating is 27%, lower than at any point during his first term and also below Biden’s lowest recorded economic rating.
