President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 35% in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, remaining near the lowest levels of his political career. According to the poll completed on Monday, this reading was unchanged from a prior Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-May and just above the lowest rating of his current term - 34% in an April poll. The rating also approaches his first-term low of 33% in December 2017.
The primary driver of Trump's declining approval has been widespread discontent over his decision to go to war with Iran. As reported by Reuters/Ipsos, 59% of respondents expect US gas prices to get worse in the next year, compared with only 17% who think they will improve. Recent developments show Iran and Israel exchanged fire overnight in the most serious escalation since a U.S.-Iranian truce was declared in April. Iran has now halted its attacks on Israel, stating "if the aggressions and acts of mischief continue — including in southern Lebanon — much more severe and crushing actions than before will follow." Trump ordered military strikes on Iran on February 28 alongside US ally Israel, which led to counterattacks that have largely shut down shipping through a narrow strait previously carrying a fifth of global oil trade.
Americans are increasingly dissatisfied with Trump's handling of the cost of living, with only 22% approving compared to 70% who disapprove. According to the poll, this represents a deterioration from Trump's Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, who closed his term with 29% approval on cost of living issues. The persistent high fuel prices are particularly concerning for Trump's party's hopes of maintaining control of Congress in November's midterm elections.
The poll reveals a significant shift in voter confidence regarding economic management. While polls last year showed voters trusted Republicans more on economic issues, their advantage has recently evaporated. 36% of voters now say Democrats have a better plan for the economy, compared to 37% who pick Republicans. The latest poll, conducted online among 4,531 US adults with a 2 percentage point margin of error, shows registered voters would pick Democrats over Republicans by 41% to 37% if congressional elections were held today.
