Trump’s approval ratings hit new low as Iran war fallout reaches home

March 26, 2026

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US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since his return to office, amid rising fuel prices and growing opposition to the US-led war on Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on 24 March.

The four-day survey shows approval falling to 36 percent, down from 40 percent just a week earlier

The decline comes as gasoline prices have surged due to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran launched on 28 February, disrupting global energy flows and heavily straining world economies.

Economic concerns have emerged as a central driver of public discontent.

Only 25 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while barely a third backed his management of the economy, marking the lowest economic approval rating across both of his presidencies.

Analysts say the data reflects mounting pressure tied to inflation and fuel costs. Republican strategist Amanda Makki said, “It’s important that people know that the president feels their pain and that help is on the way.”

Public support for the war dropped even below what were already low levels at the start, with the poll showing that 35 percent of Americans approve of US strikes on Iran, down from 37 percent the previous week, while 61 percent disapprove.

Nearly half of all respondents believe the war will make the US less safe in the long term, compared to just 26 percent who say it will improve security.

Fuel prices have risen by roughly one dollar per gallon since the start of the conflict, as disruptions to West Asian oil flows intensify.

The economic strain is already visible, with 63 percent of respondents describing the US economy as “somewhat weak” or “very weak.”

Despite the decline, Trump retains strong backing within his party – though dissatisfaction among Republicans over living costs has increased.

Meanwhile, amid the growing disapproval, Washington is expected to deploy additional US troops to West Asia, even as Trump claims the war on Iran is winding down.

The US has put forward a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran, calling for the dismantling of its nuclear program, a halt to enrichment and missile development, and an end to support for the Axis of Resistance, including Hamas and Hezbollah, in exchange for sanctions relief and monitored civilian nuclear activity.

US officials also claim backchannel talks are ongoing with the Iranian leadership.

Tehran has rejected both the proposal and claims of negotiations, saying Washington is “negotiating with itself” and refusing to compromise.

Iranian officials have instead set their own conditions, which include “a complete halt to aggression and assassinations by the enemy, the establishment of concrete mechanisms to ensure that the war is not reimposed on the Islamic Republic, guaranteed and clearly defined payment of war damages and reparations, the end of the war across all fronts and for all resistance groups involved throughout the region, and that Iran’s exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz remain a natural and legal right – including a guarantee for the implementation of the other party’s commitments.”

According to reports by Al Mayadeen and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Tehran is also demanding the closure of US military bases in the region.