Trump’s Approval Hits Lows Amid Economy, Iran War

Surveys show Trump’s job approval between 35 % and 41 %. CNN/SSRS recorded 35 % approval/63 % disapproval; Economist/YouGov reported 36 % approval with a –22 net rating; RealClearPolitics averages 40.5 % approval/56.3 % disapproval. The Silver Bulletin tracker listed a –18.9 net rating.

Doylestown Intelligencer

Most respondents say Trump’s policies raised the cost of living; two-thirds say national conditions worsened. Gas prices rose about 50 % after the February U.S.–Israel strike on Iran. Sixty percent view the Iran war as “off on the wrong track,” linking it to higher living costs.

Forbes

CNN/SSRS (May 1-4) found 77 % say cost of living rose and 66 % disapprove of gas-price handling; Independent voters (Economist/YouGov) approved 25 % and disapproved 63 %, an 18-point drop from 2025.

Forbes

Economy and cost of living rank as issue for 55 % of voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats now lead on these issues, reversing a prior Republican advantage, while 30 % trust neither party. Congressional preference remains close—45 % Democrat, 42 % Republican, 14 % undecided—making it a swing factor.

CNN

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle framed the polling as a reality, noting the administration still prioritizes jobs, inflation, and housing affordability. He called the president’s record on job creation and price stability and said the government is working to curb gas-price volatility and maintain the Iran cease-fire.

Newsweek

Republicans show discontent: only 21 % approve of Trump’s handling of gas prices, and a majority cite the Iran war as a misstep. Independent voters have fallen to a net approval of –38, an 18-point drop from a year earlier. Most Americans say the economic system favors powerful interests, and half distrust both parties on cost-of-living issues.

Forbes

Approval rates differ: CNN reports 35 % approval, RealClearPolitics averages 40.5 %, and the Economist/YouGov shows 36 %. Methodology—online versus probability samples is not disclosed, leaving uncertainty about the magnitude of the decline.

Newsweek

• “The ultimate poll was November 5th 2024 when nearly 80 million Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump to deliver on his popular and commonsense agenda.” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson

Newsweek

• “No other President in history has accomplished more for the American people than President Trump, who is working tirelessly to create jobs, cool inflation, increase housing affordability, and more.” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson

Newsweek

• “It is a problem I'm not on the ballot. Everyone says if I was on a ballot, we'd win in a landslide. I have some of the best poll numbers I've ever had.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

Newsweek

The November 2026 congressional races will test whether economic dissatisfaction translates into Democratic gains. Pollsters expect continued volatility, with the Silver Bulletin and RealClearPolitics tracking net-approval declines. The administration plans policy briefings on gas-price mitigation and a diplomatic push for a cease-fire, which could shift voter sentiment before the ballot.

Newsweek