A recent poll published by Reuters/Ipsos indicates that U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating has decreased to 35%, marking the lowest level since his return to the White House. This decline comes at a time when Americans are grappling with rising gas prices, which have negatively impacted Trump's support among Republican voters.
The poll was conducted over four days and concluded last Monday, showing a one percentage point drop in approval compared to an earlier survey conducted by the agency earlier this month. This decrease is nearing the lowest level recorded during Trump's presidency, which was 34% last month.
Event Details
Trump began his current term in January 2025 with an approval rating of 47%. However, his popularity has seen a significant decline this year, as gas prices surged following Trump's strikes on Iran last February. This conflict has disrupted a large portion of global oil trade, contributing to a nearly 50% increase in fuel prices. This situation has raised concerns among Trump's Republican allies, who are striving to maintain a congressional majority in the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Data indicates that 21% of Republicans currently disapprove of the president's performance, compared to only 5% at the beginning of his term. The poll also revealed that 79% of Republicans believe Trump is doing a good job, a notable decline from 82% earlier this month and 91% at the start of his presidency.
Background & Context
Discontent is rising within the Republican Party, particularly regarding how Trump is handling cost-of-living issues, a topic he promised to address during his 2024 campaign. Currently, only 47% of Republicans support Trump on cost-of-living matters, while 46% believe he is performing poorly. Among Americans overall, one in five approves of Trump's management of living costs.
The online survey included 1,271 adults from across the country, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points for the general American population and 5 points for Republicans. Republican strategists have noted that Trump's declining popularity may signal a waning enthusiasm among Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Impact & Consequences
These figures serve as an early warning for Republicans, as they may affect their ability to maintain control of both the House and Senate. Republican expert Janet Hoffman expressed concern that Republicans may not be as motivated to participate in the midterms as Democrats.
This decline in approval could negatively impact the Republican Party's strategy moving forward, especially with the elections approaching. Additionally, the growing discontent may lead to divisions within the party, potentially affecting Republican unity against Democrats.
Regional Significance
These developments in U.S. politics are particularly significant for the Arab region, as the effects of U.S. foreign policy, especially towards Iran, play a crucial role in regional stability. Trump's declining popularity may alter U.S. strategies in addressing regional issues, which could impact relations between Arab countries and Iran.
In conclusion, Trump's approval rating remains under scrutiny, as any changes in his stance could influence U.S. policies in the region, necessitating close monitoring by observers and analysts.