Full Breakdown
Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Historic Lows as Economic Strain and Iran War Prompt Diesel Export Ban Proposal
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest levels in both terms, with September polls showing approval between 32 % and 39 % and disapproval from 53 % to 67 %. The decline coincides with rising energy costs, a six-month war in Iran, and the president’s call for a ban on diesel exports.
Background & Context
Trump began his second term with a 52 % approval rating, but the conflict that began in February with Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed U.S. gasoline prices to $4.47 per gallon and diesel to $6.53 per gallon—record highs in the United States and Europe. The administration faces criticism for the war’s duration and its economic impact.
Data & Statistics
- Approval ratings: Emerson College (Sept. 21-22) – 39 % approve, 58 % disapprove; CNN/SSRS (Sept. 16-17) – 33 % approve, 67 % disapprove; PBS/NPR/Marist (Sept. 14-15) – 39 % approve, 53 % disapprove; Reuters/Ipsos (late August) – 33 % approve, 65 % disapprove; UMass Amherst (Aug. 21-26) – 32 % approve, 64 % disapprove.
- Economic perception: 60 % of Emerson respondents say Trump’s policies are worsening the economy; 71 % disapprove of his handling in the UMass poll.
- Energy prices: National average gasoline $4.47 per gallon; diesel $6.53 per gallon, a 75 % increase over the previous year.
Official Statements & Responses
- At the UN General Assembly, Trump warned Iran it must strike a deal or face “annihilation.”
- On diesel, Trump said, “I’ve said let’s not send out the diesel… It is a serious hit on the Russians. It’s also a serious hit on the price of diesel.”
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said the administration is examining whether a full or partial ban is feasible given refining capacity.
Criticism & Opposition
- Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) called for an end to the Iran conflict, echoing Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.).
- The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers trade group warned a diesel export ban would “backfire,” forcing refiners to cut production and reducing gasoline output.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is a serious hit on the Russians. It’s also a serious hit on the price of diesel,” — President Trump
- “We’re examining whether it’s feasible in terms of the overall refining capacity and whether a full or partial ban would work.” — Scott Bessent
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls differ on the exact approval figure: Emerson reports 39 % approval, CNN/SSRS 33 %, and PBS/NPR/Marist 39 %. Disapproval ranges from 53 % to 67 %. No poll links the diesel export ban proposal directly to the approval decline, leaving its impact unquantified.
What’s Next
The administration will discuss the diesel export ban with Ukrainian officials while midterm elections approach, with Democrats holding a modest lead in congressional voting intentions. Further polling will track whether the proposal alters public perception of Trump’s economic stewardship.
