Story perspectives

Trump’s September approval drops to 32%, historic low

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 3:22 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Spokesman dismisses poll

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to a historic low in several September 2026 polls.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed the poll results, saying the 2024 election—nearly 80 million votes for Trump—is the true measure of his support.
Reuters/Ipsos surveyed 1,277 adults Sept 17-20, reporting 32% approval and over 60% disapproval for Trump.
Civiqs poll showed Trump trailing in 41 states, with positive net approval in only nine.

Left

Fuel price spike

U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating fell to 32% in September 2026, the lowest of his political career.
The drop coincides with war-driven fuel price spikes that lifted gasoline to $4.48 and diesel to $6.51 per gallon, worsening household costs.
51% of Republican voters disapproved of Trump's cost-of-living handling, versus 44% approval.
A Harvard CAPS/Harris survey found 62% blamed Trump rather than Biden for the economy.

Blindspot

AAA reported average gasoline prices rose to $4.48 per gallon and diesel to $6.51 per gallon, a war-driven spike that the left-leaning sources say is raising household costs and threatening food affordability.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 OPEC oil embargo, launched in October, forced the United States to confront soaring energy costs and a dip in President Richard Nixon’s approval. Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members lifted crude from $3 to $12 per barrel, sending U.S. gasoline to $0.36 per gallon—a 200% rise in 1973. Today, President Donald Trump’s 32% approval in September 2026 mirrors Nixon’s dip, while AAA reports gasoline at $4.48 per gallon, echoing 1973’s fuel shock. Consequently, U.S. Congress revisits strategic petroleum reserves and bipartisan energy legislation, recognizing that persistent price spikes can reshape electoral fortunes and domestic stability.

1 of 4

Spokesman dismisses poll

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to a historic low in several September 2026 polls.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed the poll results, saying the 2024 election—nearly 80 million votes for Trump—is the true measure of his support.
Reuters/Ipsos surveyed 1,277 adults Sept 17-20, reporting 32% approval and over 60% disapproval for Trump.
Civiqs poll showed Trump trailing in 41 states, with positive net approval in only nine.

1 / 4