US President Donald Trump’s popularity has slipped to its weakest level since he returned to the White House. A fresh Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 36% of Americans now approve of the job he is doing, down from 40% just last week.
Cost of living becomes big headache
Only 25% approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living. On the broader economy, his approval sits at a miserable 29%, the lowest figure of either of his terms in office and worse than anything recorded under Joe Biden.
People remember how Trump promised a strong economy. Now, with gasoline prices jumping almost a dollar a gallon since the strikes on Iran began on February 28, many families feel the pain at the pump and in their monthly bills.
Even inside the Republican Party, worries are growing. The share of Republicans who disapprove of Trump’s handling of living costs rose from 27% to 34% in just one week.
War support also fading
Trump’s overall approval stood at 47% in his first days back in office and had mostly stayed near 40% until recently. The current war has changed that mood. Only 35% of Americans now support the US strikes on Iran, down from 37% last week. A clear 61% disapprove.
Furthermore, the conflict has already killed more than 1,340 people in Iran and triggered Iranian retaliation across the region. Oil shipments from the Middle East have dropped sharply, pushing fuel prices higher and threatening the wider economy.
Additionally, Trump has hinted the fighting could end soon, but Iran denies serious talks are happening.
Moreover, the poll also shows that 63% of Americans now see the US economy as weak. That feeling cuts across party lines — 40% of Republicans, 66% of independents and 84% of Democrats.
Republicans still hold a slight edge when voters pick who they trust more on the economy, immigration and crime.
Still, the drop in approval gives Democrats fresh hope that they can fight back on issues that usually favour Republicans.
