Trump Approval Falls to Record-Low 34% as Iran War Drives Gas Prices Up 50%
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 14
Trump Approval Falls to Record-Low 34% as Iran War Drives Gas Prices Up 50%
5 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 14
Reuters/Ipsos and Pew both put Donald Trump at a second-term low of 34% approval, while Silver Bulletin’s average shows a 38.5% approval rate against 58.1% disapproval.
Gasoline at $4.30 a gallon and up 50% since the Iran conflict began has become a central drag, with three-quarters of respondents saying his administration is at least partly responsible for higher prices.
The war is also eroding confidence in Trump’s leadership: 66% say he has not clearly explained U.S. goals in Iran, and 66% in a Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos poll disapprove of his handling of the conflict.
Economic dissatisfaction is broadening beyond Democrats, with 61% disapproving of Trump’s handling of the economy and Republican disapproval on that issue rising to 23% from 17% in March.
The slide is sharpening political risk before November’s midterms, as one Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos survey showed Democrats leading Republicans 49% to 44% on the House ballot.
How will the US economy withstand record gas prices and inflation if the Iran war continues indefinitely?
Is the Iran war's disruption to oil markets accelerating a permanent global shift toward renewable energy?
With Iran's leader missing, who holds the authority to negotiate an end to the war and its global economic fallout?
Record-Low Trump Approval (37%) as Iran War and Inflation Fuel Economic and Political Crisis Before 2026 Midterms
Overview
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to a record low in May 2026, with only 37% of Americans approving of his job performance and 62% disapproving. This sharp decline is driven by widespread public discontent over the ongoing war with Iran and significant economic challenges, such as persistent inflation and the rising cost of living. Most Americans are unhappy with Trump’s handling of both the cost of living and inflation, leading to increased economic pain across the country. These issues are shaping public opinion as the nation approaches the midterm elections.