Story perspectives

Trump's Approval Drops to 30% Amid Iran, $4 Gas

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s approval fell to the lowest point of his second term amid Iran conflict and gasoline prices $4 per gallon.
RealClearPolling released April 22, 2026 gave him a 40.5% approval rating, with an AP-NORC poll from April 16-20 showing approval at 30% and job approval at 33%.
Late-April polls reported favorable ratings between 36% and 44% and found 76% of voters aged 18-29 disapproved of his handling of cost of living.

History

Historical Context

In January 1991, President George H. W. Bush’s approval plunged to 38% as Operation Desert Storm escalated the Gulf War. Gallup reported a 12-point drop from the previous month, while oil prices surged to $35 per barrel, pressuring U.S. consumers. Similarly, in April 2026 Donald Trump’s approval fell to 40.5% amid the Iran confrontation and $4-per-gallon gasoline, echoing Bush’s dip under external crises. These parallels suggest that foreign conflicts combined with sharp energy price spikes can rapidly erode presidential legitimacy, prompting strategic recalibrations.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s approval fell to the lowest point of his second term amid Iran conflict and gasoline prices $4 per gallon.
RealClearPolling released April 22, 2026 gave him a 40.5% approval rating, with an AP-NORC poll from April 16-20 showing approval at 30% and job approval at 33%.
Late-April polls reported favorable ratings between 36% and 44% and found 76% of voters aged 18-29 disapproved of his handling of cost of living.

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