Trump’s approval falls to record low of 32% as high costs bite

In January 2025, President Donald Trump's approval rating plummeted to a record low of 32%, as reported by a Reuters/Ipsos poll. This marked the lowest approval rating of his political career, as Trump's fellow Republicans became increasingly dissatisfied with his handling of the rising cost of living and the unpopular Iran war.

The poll was conducted over a four-day period, following Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, where he had promised to curb inflation and end foreign wars. Trump's approval among his own party members dropped to 73% from 82% in the previous week's poll. The high cost of living emerged as the top issue influencing voters' decisions in the upcoming November midterm elections.

Among Republicans, dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the cost of living grew, with 51% disapproving, compared to 44% who approved. This marked a stark contrast to the 35% low recorded by his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, whose presidency was also marked by surging inflation and a poor debate performance that led to his decision to withdraw from the presidential race.

Only 34% of poll respondents approved of Iran strikes, which have disrupted oil and gas production in the Middle East, potentially leading to higher inflation in the US and other countries. Trump's plans to end the war by the time of the election were met with skepticism, as Iran and its allies threatened further disruptions to oil markets.

The poll showed Democrats leading Republicans in the midterms, with 43% of voters favoring Democrats and 35% supporting Republicans. This 8-point gap was the largest lead for Democrats in Reuters/Ipsos polling this year. Despite Trump's popularity among Republicans on immigration issues, only 36% of Americans overall supported his approach, with 55% disapproving.

Some Republican allies expressed concerns that Trump's aggressive deportation campaign could alienate voters with recent immigrant backgrounds, particularly Hispanics.