Approval Plummets
Trump's Approval Rating Plunges to Record Low 33% Amid Persistent Iran Conflict and Economic Fears
Key Points
Trump's approval rating is tied for the lowest level of his presidency, matching a December 2017 low in the past term.
Public opinion shows about 80% of Americans expect U.S. involvement in Iran to last an extended period, with 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans agreeing, while only 16% expect an end in the near future.
The conflict has paralyzed roughly one-fifth of the global oil trade, helping drive gasoline prices higher and weighing on households and GOP allies ahead of the midterms.
Iran has kept the oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz largely bottled up even as the conflict has cooled, complicating expectations for a rapid resolution.
U.S. policymakers are pursuing intensified sanctions on Iran, including measures targeting Iran's shadow oil fleet, shipping insurers, entities and people enabling weapons programs, and digital exchanges, potentially freezing about $500 billion in Iran-linked cryptocurrency.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 33%, the lowest point of his presidency, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. A full 64% of Americans now disapprove of his job performance — a sharp sign that the Iran conflict and rising gas prices are taking a political toll.
The poll, which surveyed 1,166 U.S. adults with a margin of error of about 3 percentage points, matches a December 2017 low from Trump's first term. Free Malaysia Today noted the result comes as most Americans brace for a long war with Iran.
Americans Expect a Long War With Iran
Eight in 10 Americans believe U.S. involvement in Iran will last a long time. That includes 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, according to Reuters. Only 16% expect the conflict to end soon. The broad, cross-party agreement shows deep public skepticism about a quick resolution.
Trump has defended the strikes as necessary to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. But public confidence in his leadership has slipped since the confrontation began. Xinhua reported that only 33% of Americans approve of his overall job performance in the new poll.
Iran Conflict Squeezes Global Oil Supply and Gas Prices
The war has paralyzed roughly one-fifth of the world's oil trade. Iran has kept the Strait of Hormuz largely blocked, even as fighting has slowed. The strait is a narrow waterway that about 20% of all traded oil passes through each day.
Higher oil costs are pushing up gas prices at the pump. That hits household budgets hard. It also puts pressure on Republican lawmakers who face voters in the midterm elections. The economic pain is adding to Trump's political troubles at a critical moment.
Economy Gets Poor Marks as Voters Feel the Pinch
A separate Economist/YouGov poll paints an equally grim picture. It found 62% of Americans disapprove of Trump's job performance, with 50% saying they "strongly disapprove." Only 22% rate the economy positively, according to The Yeshiva World.
Gas prices and inflation fears are front of mind for many voters. Analysts say the combination of a prolonged war and rising costs could hurt GOP candidates at the polls. The midterms are the next major test of whether Trump's party can hold its ground.
U.S. Tightens Sanctions Targeting Iran's Oil and Crypto
U.S. policymakers are pushing a new wave of sanctions against Iran. The measures target Iran's shadow oil fleet — tankers used to sell oil secretly — as well as shipping insurers and companies that help fund Iran's weapons programs.
The sanctions also take aim at digital currency exchanges linked to Iran. U.S. officials say the moves could freeze about $500 billion in Iran-linked cryptocurrency. Mezha reported that the steps are part of a broader effort to cut off Iran's financial lifelines as the conflict drags on.
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