Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point of his second term, as public frustration over the war with Iran and rising living costs intensifies, according to a new report.
Poll reveals record low approval
A recent New York Times/Siena poll indicates that only 37 percent of voters approve of Trump's performance, marking his weakest approval figures since returning to the White House in January 2025. The survey highlights growing voter dissatisfaction with the economic impact of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, particularly soaring fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures.
Fuel prices surge
Petrol prices across the United States have risen sharply over the past year. Nationwide averages have reached about $4.52 per gallon, compared to $3.18 during the same period last year, according to AAA data. Many voters reportedly link the economic strain to American military involvement in the Middle East.
Public opinion on Iran war
The survey found that nearly two-thirds of voters now believe Trump's decision to go to war with Iran was the wrong one, while fewer than one in four Americans think the conflict has been worth the cost. More than half of respondents also said the United States should avoid returning to war with Iran if diplomatic negotiations fail. Despite the broader dissatisfaction, support for the military action remained relatively strong among Republican voters, with around 70 percent backing Trump's decision.
Economic concerns dominate
The poll also showed declining approval ratings for Trump across several key policy areas, including immigration, the economy, inflation, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. About 64 percent of voters said they disapproved of Trump's handling of the economy, an issue traditionally considered one of his strongest political advantages. Trump also drew criticism after comments he made last week regarding economic hardship facing Americans. When asked whether financial difficulties were influencing his approach toward a peace deal, Trump replied: “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”
Independent voters drift away
Independent voters appear to be increasingly distancing themselves from the president, with 47 percent saying his policies had personally harmed them, compared to 41 percent before the election last year. The poll additionally highlighted changing public attitudes toward the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly among younger Americans.
Shifting views on Israel-Palestine
Overall, more respondents said they sympathised with Palestinians than Israelis by a margin of 37 percent to 35 percent. Among voters aged 18 to 29, support for Palestinians was significantly higher, with 64 percent expressing greater sympathy for Palestinians compared to 14 percent for Israel. Support for additional American military and economic aid to Israel also appeared limited, with only 37 percent of respondents backing further assistance. Among younger voters aged between 18 and 29, support for additional aid to Israel dropped to just five percent.
Broader political frustration
The latest polling also pointed to broader frustration with American politics as a whole. Only 26 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the Democratic Party, while 44 percent of Democratic voters expressed dissatisfaction with their own party. Political analysts said the figures represent growing voter fatigue over economic pressures and America’s involvement in another major overseas conflict ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
