Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Approval Drops to 33% Amid Iran War, Tariffs

8/12/2026

45 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump Approval Plummets

A poll released on August 11, 2026 showed U.S. President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating at 33%.
The decline was steepest among women, independents, Hispanics and college-educated voters, which analysts tied to the renewed Iran conflict.
The Economist/YouGov poll recorded a net approval of –29, the lowest in Trump’s terms.
Sixty-one percent said Trump was using his presidential powers for personal gain.

Left

Trump Claims Great

On August 11, 2026, a poll reported U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating at 33 %.
Analysts link the low rating to his Iran war and global-tariff policies, emphasizing their cost to ordinary Americans.
Trump posted on Truth Social that his poll numbers were “great,” without naming the poll.
July data showed economy shed 23,000 jobs, which analysts tie to tariffs and Iran war.

History

Historical Context

President George H. W. Bush’s 38% approval in January 1991 fell as the Gulf War escalated after Iraq’s 2 August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, prompting UN Resolution 678 (29 Nov 1990) and a 42-nation coalition of 956,600 troops—73% American. The conflict’s high casualties and oil-price spikes and public backlash echo later drops in presidential ratings during foreign-policy crises.

1 of 3

Trump Approval Plummets

A poll released on August 11, 2026 showed U.S. President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating at 33%.
The decline was steepest among women, independents, Hispanics and college-educated voters, which analysts tied to the renewed Iran conflict.
The Economist/YouGov poll recorded a net approval of –29, the lowest in Trump’s terms.
Sixty-one percent said Trump was using his presidential powers for personal gain.

1 / 3