Trump’s Approval Hits Record Low as Iran War Extends and Gas Prices Surge

A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted Aug. 14-17 2026 found only 33 percent of U.S. adults approved of President Donald Trump’s performance, while 64 percent disapproved. The poll ties the president’s lowest approval of his second term with the historic low recorded in December 2017. The same survey showed 80 percent of respondents—87 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans—believe U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict will continue for an “extended period,” and only 16 percent expect a quick resolution.

Cherry Hill Courier-Post

Trump ordered strikes on Iran in February 2026 alongside Israel, promising the campaign would last “a few weeks.” The conflict has since paralyzed roughly one-fifth of global oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz, driving U.S. gasoline prices to $4.06 per gallon (AAA) – the highest ever recorded for mid-August. The higher fuel cost has contributed to a 3.4 percent inflation rate in July, still above the level when Trump took office.

The Guardian

• Approval: 33 % (Reuters/Ipsos, Aug. 14-17)

The Hill

• Disapproval: 64 % (same poll)

Forbes

• Net approval: –31 points – the widest gap since July 30, 2026, when it hit -20.6 points.

Newsweek

• Economic perception: 38 % say Democrats will handle the economy better versus 35 % for Republicans.

• Gasoline impact: AAA reports an average price increase of $0.92 per gallon versus a year earlier; the Joint Economic Committee estimates U.S. households have spent an additional $56.4 billion on gasoline since the war began.

The Guardian

President Trump has framed the war as essential to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and pledged not to apologize. The White House denies any diplomatic talks with Tehran, asserting the naval blockade remains “in full force and effect” and that the Strait of Hormuz is “open and operating,” despite vessel attacks.

CNN

• Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) argued Trump must follow through on his threats to “bomb the sh*t out of” Oman if the Gulf nation interferes.

CNN

• Alex Patton, Republican strategist at Ozean Media, warned that “these new boundaries are not impenetrable,” suggesting the GOP’s redistricting advantage could erode if the war continues.

Newsweek

AAA’s August 17 data show the national average gasoline price at $4.06 per gallon, up $0.92 from the same date in 2025. The Joint Economic Committee calculated the surge has cost the average household roughly $477 more per month. Military analysts report a “trickle” of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with only five vessels on a recent Saturday and none the following Sunday.

The Guardian

While Reuters/Ipsos records a 33 % approval rating, Nate Silver’s “Silver Bulletin” average placed Trump at 38.1 % approval and 58.2 % disapproval in early August, reflecting methodological differences. The exact number of U.S. service members killed in the conflict varies; some sources cite 18 fatalities, while others provide no confirmed figure.

Forbes

The November 3 midterm elections will test the political fallout of the Iran war. Decision-Desk forecasts give Democrats a 66 % chance of retaking the House and a 45 % chance of winning the Senate. Republican leaders warn that continued public frustration over gasoline prices and the war’s duration could jeopardize the slim House majority and the Senate map that relies on recent redistricting gains. The administration has signaled no imminent diplomatic breakthrough, leaving the war’s trajectory—and its electoral consequences—uncertain.

Newsweek