Story perspectives

Trump approval hits 33% in Reuters/Ipsos poll

8/19/2026

Left

Trump Approval Plummets

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 33% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,166 adults conducted Aug. 14-17, 2026, his lowest.
The survey links Trump’s low approval to public hardship from soaring gas prices and inflation caused by the six-month Iran war.
A Financial Times poll found 53% feel financially worse off since Trump’s Jan. 2025 inauguration.
Democrats lead Republicans by seven points on who would handle cost-of-living issues, 38% to 31%.

Right

Trump Approval Drops

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 33% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,166 adults conducted Aug. 14-17 2026, the lowest of his presidency.
Republican officials argue Trump must intensify the Iran conflict to achieve a decisive end.
Sen. Rick Scott said Trump should follow through on threats to force a war end.
The poll recorded 64% disapproval of President Trump.

Center

Trump Approval Falls

President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 33% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,166 adults conducted Aug. 14-17, 2026.
Threat to bomb Oman from the president followed the country’s move toward an Iran-Oman deal to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
Gasoline price rose to $4.06 per gallon, up nearly $1 from same date in 2025.
Only about 30% of millennials approve of Trump’s performance, the lowest approval among age groups.

Blindspot

A Financial Times poll found that 53 % of registered voters say they are financially worse off since President Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center- and Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC embargoed the United States and other Israel supporters, forcing President Richard Nixon to face soaring energy costs. The embargo made oil prices quadruple by 1974 and gasoline rise 43%, prompting rationing and the 1978 Energy Policy and Conservation Act revisions. The 2026 poll tying Trump’s approval to gasoline prices shows energy shocks still threaten presidential legitimacy.

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Trump Approval Plummets

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 33% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,166 adults conducted Aug. 14-17, 2026, his lowest.
The survey links Trump’s low approval to public hardship from soaring gas prices and inflation caused by the six-month Iran war.
A Financial Times poll found 53% feel financially worse off since Trump’s Jan. 2025 inauguration.
Democrats lead Republicans by seven points on who would handle cost-of-living issues, 38% to 31%.

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