Trump Approval Hits Record Lows Amid Iran War Strains

President Donald Trump has seen his job approval ratings plummet to record lows, ranging between 28% and 34% across several national polls, including those from CNN/SSRS, Quinnipiac University, and AP-NORC. The decline is primarily driven by the war in Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. The conflict has caused significant economic instability, with gasoline prices exceeding $4 per gallon and U.S. economic growth slowing to 1.5% in the second quarter.

Public opposition to the war has surged, with roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults viewing the conflict as not worthwhile. Following a late-July escalation that resulted in 18 American service member deaths, Trump authorized retaliatory strikes on July 29, stating his intention to hit Iran "very hard" and "smack them a little bit." While the administration cites the prevention of Iranian nuclear weapons as a primary goal, 74% of polled citizens believe the president lacks a clear strategic plan.

Internal political pressure is mounting as Trump clashes with Senate Republicans over a $95 billion budget package to fund the war. Former ally Alex Jones has called for the president's removal via impeachment or the 25th Amendment. Furthermore, voters have expressed frustration over Trump's focus on personal business earnings and vanity construction projects in Washington, DC, such as a new White House ballroom. White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales defended the president, stating that national security decisions are based on the best interests of the American people rather than "fluid opinion polls."