Trump Approval Rating Hits 33%, Lowest of His Presidency, as Iran War Drives Economic Anxiety

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 33%, the lowest point of his current term, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted August 14-17. The decline follows his military strikes on Iran alongside Israel, which disrupted a fifth of global oil trade and triggered a surge in gasoline and food prices. With 64% of Americans disapproving of his performance and 80% expecting prolonged U.S. involvement in Iran, the economic fallout threatens Republican turnout in November midterm elections.

How far Trump’s approval has fallen

Trump’s approval rating dropped from 35% earlier in August to 33% in the latest poll, matching his lowest approval during his first term in December 2017. The 64% disapproval rate represents a sharp reversal from his initial return to office in 2025, when just under half the country approved of his presidency. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted in August also found Trump at 33%, described as the lowest share to ever approve of Trump across both of his terms in that survey.

Iran conflict and oil prices fuel the decline

Trump’s military strikes on Iran, ordered alongside Israel, paralyzed a fifth of global oil trade and triggered a surge in gasoline prices that is weighing on U.S. households. Trump initially pledged the conflict would take a few weeks, but Iran has proved resilient and kept the oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz largely bottled up. At a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday, Trump told supporters that paying more for gasoline is worth the cost of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Economy emerges as the defining midterm issue

Economic anxiety is now the animating issue for undecided voters in key Senate races, according to focus groups conducted by Syracuse University and research firms in Iowa and Georgia. Of 12 undecided voters surveyed, all but one said the economy will be a major consideration in their November votes. Eight said Trump is not focused enough on the issue, and all but three felt more anxious about the economy today than when Trump returned to office. Democrats now hold an eight-point lead over Republicans as the more trusted party to handle the cost of living, a reversal from January when the parties were roughly even.

Trump’s base shows signs of erosion

Beyond overall approval, Trump’s hardcore base is dissipating, with only 14% strongly approving of his tenure. That figure has shrunk 12 percentage points since February 2025. An overwhelming 80% of Americans, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, believe U.S. involvement in Iran will last an extended period. Just 16% said the conflict would likely end in a few weeks. Trump’s approval rating on the cost of living stands at just 23%, and on inflation at 22%, both well below his overall approval rating.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s approval collapse reflects voter frustration over rising costs tied to his Iran military campaign. With economic anxiety dominating undecided voters in critical Senate races and his base showing signs of erosion, the midterm elections in November will test whether Republicans can hold congressional majorities despite the president’s plummeting popularity.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.