Trump approval hits new low as Americans fear long Iran war

President Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted to 33%, the lowest point of his tenure, as more Americans grow fearful that his war with Iran could drag on indefinitely. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted on August 17, reveals that 64% of those surveyed disapprove of Trump's performance. His approval dipped from 35% in an earlier August survey, marking the lowest level since his first term began in December 2017.

The poll indicates a widespread belief that the conflict will be prolonged, with 80% of Americans expecting it to continue for an extended period. This sentiment is shared by 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, with only 16% anticipating the war to conclude within weeks. Only 20% of respondents deemed the war worthwhile, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.

The war has coincided with rising energy costs, particularly gasoline prices, which have become a political issue for Trump. The conflict has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy conduit, causing gasoline prices to surge. Trump maintains that higher fuel prices are justified to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but the public's response is less favorable. A recent poll indicates that most Americans view the higher gas prices as an unnecessary burden.

As the conflict persists, Trump confronts a midterm election looming in November, when Republicans must maintain control of Congress. The strain on Trump's approval ratings is compounded by recent polls indicating that Democrats now lead Republicans in handling the economy, a stark reversal from Trump's earlier 35% approval rating in the same poll.

Additionally, a Financial Times/Focaldata survey reveals that over half of registered voters feel worse off financially under Trump, with particular dissatisfaction over inflation and living costs.

The Iran deal deadline has passed without a comprehensive settlement, leaving Washington and Tehran at odds over the future of the agreement. Mediators are still striving for negotiations, but the political climate has grown more challenging. This situation presents a dilemma for Trump, who promised to curb inflation and avert prolonged foreign wars during his campaign. The ongoing Iran war has become intertwined with rising gasoline prices, global oil supplies, and his standing among voters.

Republicans are also feeling the pressure, as Trump's approval among them has waned. While his support remains comparatively stronger within the Republican base, recent polling shows growing unease among Republican voters about the duration of the Iran war. As the conflict continues and energy supplies remain constrained, Trump faces a critical question: Will he be able to resolve the war before the economic and political costs overshadow his re-election prospects in 2026?