Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Record Lows Amid Iran War and Economic Strain

The Economist/YouGov poll conducted August 7–10 surveyed 1,589 U.S. adults and found 33 % approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance while 62 % disapprove, a net approval of -29—the lowest net rating in YouGov tracking since Trump returned to office in 2025. The poll’s margin of error is ±3.2 percentage points. New York Times aggregations place the average approval at 37 % with 60 % disapproval.

Providence Journal

The U.S.–Iran conflict, reignited in February 2025, has pushed gasoline prices above $4 per gallon and heightened public frustration. Inflation remains elevated, with the BLS reporting a 3.5 % annual rate in June, still above the Fed’s 2 % target. Both issues rank among the top voter concerns in July polls. The midterm elections on November 3 will serve as a referendum on the president’s performance.

Newsweek

• Overall approval: 33 % approve, 62 % disapprove (Economist/YouGov).

The Hill

• Net approval: -29 (Economist/YouGov) vs. -20.4 (Nate Silver, July 30).

The Conversation

• Party splits: 79 % of GOP respondents approve, 4 % of Democrats approve.

YouGov Polling US

• Demographic lows: Women, white Americans, and college graduates show deeply negative nets; independents approve at 18 % with 71 % disapproval.

Newsweek

• Issue ratings: 40 % support on immigration, 30 % confidence in handling an international crisis.

The Hill

Analysts link the slump to a projected “Blue Wave” in November. Nate Silver’s model gives Democrats a 57 % chance to win the House and a 56 % chance to control both chambers, citing the president’s dismal approval as a key driver. The war’s unpopularity has eroded the GOP’s traditional national-security advantage, and rising fuel costs have amplified economic anxiety among swing voters.

The Conversation

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

The Hill

• President Trump on criticism of his base: “A lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you.”

USA Today

• “This, I think, perhaps is the most shocking thing about this,” said Harry Enten, CNN data analyst.

Daily Beast

Polls diverge on support levels. The Economist/YouGov poll records 33 % approval; a Quinnipiac poll (July 23-27) reported 32 % approval and 58 % disapproval. Nate Silver’s aggregate places net approval at -20.4 on July 30, contrasting with the Economist/YouGov net of -29. No single source provides a comprehensive breakdown of approval by issue across all demographic groups, leaving uncertainty about the relative weight of economic versus war-related discontent.

Trump approval rating hits new second-term low of 38%

The November 3 midterms will test whether record-low approval translates into congressional losses for the GOP. Poll aggregators show Democrats leading the generic ballot by roughly 6–7 points, and prediction markets assign an 85 % chance to a Democratic House flip. The administration has signaled continued executive activity, but the political calculus will hinge on whether voter concerns over the Iran war and inflation can be mitigated before Election Day.

The Conversation