Trump approval falls to 33% in Reuters poll as Iran war and fuel prices strain voters

Approval rating falls to second-term low

Public approval of Donald Trump has dropped to 33%, while 64% of respondents express disapproval of his presidency, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted online between 14 and 17 August 2026. The approval figure represents a two percentage point decline from 35% recorded at the start of August and is the lowest rating of his current term. The 33% result also matches the previous low point of his presidency, reached in December 2017 during his first administration. When Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, 47% of Americans approved of his performance, compared to 41% who expressed disapproval. The nationwide survey sampled 1,166 adults and carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Fuel costs rise after military action against Iran

The decline in presidential approval followed Trump's decision to order joint military strikes with Israel against Iran. The White House defended the operation as a required step to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons that could pose a global threat. However, the fighting disrupted approximately one-fifth of global oil trade and caused a substantial increase in gasoline prices, placing financial strain on American households. During his presidential election campaign, Trump pledged to rein in inflation and avoid prolonged foreign military engagements, initially insisting that operations in Iran would conclude within several weeks. Iranian forces have remained resilient and continue to largely block crude oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz, even as the intensity of combat operations has eased.

Broad public expectation of a protracted war

Voters across the political spectrum express skepticism regarding the timeline and justification of the military involvement. Approximately 80% of American adults believe United States involvement in Iran will continue for an extended period, compared to 16% who believe the conflict will conclude within several weeks. This expectation of a long engagement is shared by 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans. Overall, only one in five Americans believes the war against Iran has been worth the cost. Among Republican voters, support for the intervention is divided, with approximately half stating that the military campaign was justified.

Democrats lead economic polling ahead of midterms

The economic pressure from energy prices has altered political alignments ahead of the November congressional elections, in which Republicans are defending their majorities in Congress. In the August Reuters/Ipsos survey, 38% of voters said Democrats would handle the economy better, compared to 35% who selected Republicans. The finding represents the first time in roughly a decade that voters have expressed greater confidence in Democrats than Republicans on economic management. Survey respondents also rated Democrats as better prepared to address rising living costs. While Republican immigration policies maintained voter backing during Trump's term following reduced border crossings and nationwide enforcement campaigns, the party enters the November congressional campaign with narrowed margins on top voter concerns.