Trump’s Republican Approval Falls to 80% as Iran Conflict Erodes Dealmaker Brand
Updated
Updated · LSE Home · May 28
Trump’s Republican Approval Falls to 80% as Iran Conflict Erodes Dealmaker Brand
6 articles · Updated · LSE Home · May 28
Trump’s approval among Republicans has slipped to a new low of 80%, down from 83% during the 2025 strikes on Iran, while support among non-MAGA Republicans stands at 54%.
Rising US gas prices, congressional unease and Trump’s dismissal of consumer pain have deepened the political damage from a conflict he launched on 28 February and has struggled to justify.
His effort to avoid calling the fighting a “war” — while admitting that term could trigger congressional approval issues — has sharpened scrutiny of the legal, economic and human costs.
Allied backing has also frayed: NATO partners largely ignored US calls for help, Gulf states have suffered Iranian retaliation, and the UAE’s Habshan refinery is not expected to be fully repaired until 2027.
The conflict has also undercut Trump’s self-styled dealmaker image, with Iran repeatedly rejecting talks and leaving his administration isolated abroad and more divided at home in a midterm election year.
As US weapon stocks dwindle and allies suffer economically, is the Iran conflict unintentionally strengthening America's global rivals?
What diplomatic strategies could resolve the conflict now that Iran's leadership structure has fundamentally changed?
2026 Midterms in Jeopardy: Trump’s 31% Approval, Iran War, and Economic Crisis Undermine GOP
Overview
President Trump’s approval rating has dropped sharply to 31% as of May 2026, with disapproval at 64%, creating a tough environment for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This decline began after the announcement of 'Liberation Day' tariffs in April 2025 and worsened with the start of the Iran war in February 2026. The ongoing conflict has fueled economic worries, especially rising gas prices, and deepened public dissatisfaction. As support for Trump continues to erode, Republicans face growing challenges, while Democrats see new opportunities in the upcoming elections.