Full Breakdown
Trump’s Disapproval Rating Peaks at 62% Amid Iran War and Economic Strain
5/4/2026, 11:53:26 PM
Record Disapproval
A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll of 2,560 adults (April 24-28) shows 62 % disapproval of President Donald Trump, the highest across his two terms, and 37 % approval, a two-point drop since February.
Iran War and Economy
The Feb. 28 Iran conflict sparked a global oil shock, lifting gas prices to a four-year high and raising core inflation to 3.5 % in March, intensifying public worries about affordability and cost of living.
Poll Numbers
Disapproval is 62 % versus 37 % approval. Sixty-six percent reject Trump’s Iran-war strategy; 76 % reject his cost-of-living handling; 72 % reject his inflation response. Republican approval stays at 85 % but strong approval falls to 45 %; Republican-leaning independents approve at 56 %; independents overall at 25 %. Democrats register 5 % approval, 95 % disapproval, and lead the House preference by five points. Voter certainty is 79 % for Democrats versus 52 % for Republicans.
Impact
The GOP’s slim congressional margins make Trump’s ratings a strategic liability; Democratic voter enthusiasm and a five-point House lead could end Republican control of the House and threaten Senate prospects in November’s elections.
Criticism & Opposition
Poll respondents overwhelmingly disapproved of his war and economic policies, with 70 % deeming him “not honest and trustworthy” and 60 % questioning his mental sharpness. Democrats also view the 2026 midterms as “much more important” than prior cycles, highlighting opposition momentum.
Trump’s Remarks
Trump said he would “let you know about it later” on a new Iranian peace proposal and that officials would give “the exact wording now.” He announced a troop reduction in Germany beyond the planned 5,000, promoted “Project Freedom” to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and claimed his administration had “won” affordability.
Conflicting Polls
The New York Times daily average shows 58 % disapproval and 39 % approval, lower than the 62 %/37 % from the Washington Post-ABC poll. An AP-NORC survey reports 30 % economic approval versus 34 % in the Washington Post-Ipsos poll. No Democratic statements appear in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ll let you know about it later,” — Donald Trump, President
- “they’re going to give me the exact wording now.” — Donald Trump, President
- “We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” — Donald Trump, President
- “Trump said Sunday on Truth Social that the United States will help guide stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz in a “humanitarian gesture” called “Project Freedom,” one day after receiving a new peace proposal from Iran.” — Donald Trump, President
Outlook
The poll will shape GOP messaging as candidates adjust positions on the Iran war and the economy. Both parties will intensify voter-turnout drives before the November midterms, while the administration’s next diplomatic steps in Tehran remain uncertain.
