A recent poll conducted by Reuters in collaboration with Ipsos indicates that U.S. President Donald Trump's popularity has fallen to its lowest point since he took office, with only 34% of Americans expressing satisfaction with his performance. This decline comes amid increasing frustration over his handling of rising living costs and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The four-day poll, which concluded on Monday, showed a slight decrease from the 36% approval rating recorded in a previous survey conducted from April 15 to 20. Most responses were collected before the shooting incident that occurred at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, where Trump was scheduled to speak.
Event Details
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump's popularity has seen a notable decline, with an initial approval rating of 47% at the start of his term. As military tensions in the Middle East escalated, particularly following the onset of the war in Iran on February 28, gasoline prices surged significantly, increasing pressure on American households.
Estimates from the American Automobile Association indicate that the average price of regular gasoline recently reached $4.18 per gallon, compared to $3.16 a year ago. This price increase has directly impacted citizens' lives, with only 22% of poll participants expressing satisfaction with Trump's handling of the cost of living issue, down from 25% in the previous survey.
Background & Context
In recent weeks, polls have shown a sharp erosion of Trump's electoral base, which was crucial to his victory in the 2024 elections. The electoral coalition that included young voters, Latinos, and economically anxious voters is beginning to fracture under the weight of military involvement in Iran and increasing economic pressures.
The Los Angeles Times highlighted the record decline in Trump's popularity among Latino voters, who surprisingly supported him with 48% in the 2024 elections. However, this figure dramatically dropped to 22% by March, indicating a significant deterioration in support.
Impact & Consequences
A poll conducted by Fox News four weeks ago revealed a significant shift in the American public's mood, with 64% of voters expressing dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the Iranian issue. Additionally, opposition to his overall performance reached a record high since he took office, with the survey showing that 59% of Americans disapprove of his performance.
This decline in popularity may pose significant challenges for the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for November, as the party must reassess its strategies to attract voters who are concerned about the current economic and political conditions.
Regional Significance
Developments in the United States have a considerable impact on the Arab region, as any decline in American support for Washington's allies in the Middle East could lead to changes in regional dynamics. Moreover, escalating military tensions in Iran may affect the stability of the region and exacerbate existing conflicts.
In conclusion, Trump's declining popularity could have far-reaching implications for U.S. policy and international relations, necessitating close monitoring by analysts and observers in the region.