US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his current presidency. At the same time, most Americans believe the US war with Iran could continue for an extended period.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 33% of respondents approved of Trump’s performance. Meanwhile, 64% said they disapproved of his performance in the White House.
Trump’s approval rating fell from 35% in an earlier poll conducted this month. The latest figure also matches the lowest approval rating of his previous presidency.
Iran War Weighs on Trump’s Approval
Trump returned to the White House last year with approval from slightly less than half of Americans. However, his popularity has declined during the current year.
The decline followed his decision to launch strikes against Iran alongside US ally Israel. The resulting conflict has disrupted a major share of global oil trade.
The disruption has also pushed gasoline prices higher. Rising fuel costs could create additional pressure on American households.
The economic impact could also become a political challenge for Trump’s Republican allies. They are preparing to defend their congressional majorities during the November midterm elections.
Trump campaigned on controlling inflation and avoiding prolonged military conflicts. He initially said the confrontation with Iran could last only a few weeks.
He also argued that military action was necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon capable of threatening other countries.
Most Americans Expect Conflict to Continue
However, public expectations now appear far less optimistic. Around 80% of Americans believe US involvement in Iran will continue for an extended period.
The figure includes 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans. Only 16% of respondents believed the conflict would probably end within a few weeks.
Iran has continued resisting pressure despite the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have remained heavily restricted.
The situation has raised concerns about further disruptions to global energy supplies. Prolonged uncertainty could also keep pressure on fuel prices in the United States.
Trump Faces Growing Political Pressure
The latest poll highlights the challenges facing Trump as the conflict continues. His campaign promises on inflation and avoiding lengthy wars now face greater scrutiny.
Higher gasoline prices could further affect consumer sentiment. They may also become an important issue for Republican candidates seeking to retain congressional majorities.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online over four days. It included responses from 1,166 adults across the United States.
The poll had a margin of error of three percentage points in either direction. Its findings suggest that concerns about the Iran war are widespread across the political spectrum.
With the November elections approaching, Trump’s approval rating and public opinion on the conflict could become increasingly important. The administration may face growing pressure to address both the economic impact and the uncertainty surrounding the war.
