Trump Approval Plummets Amid Iran War and Fuel Crisis

President Donald Trump is facing a significant decline in public approval, with his job approval rating falling to 35% and his net economic approval hitting a record low of -34 percent. Recent polling from Reuters/Ipsos and YouGov/The Economist indicates widespread dissatisfaction driven by rising gasoline prices, food costs, and inflation, which is projected to increase by nearly 4% year-over-year.

The economic instability stems from a combination of domestic tariff policies and a military conflict with Iran. On February 28, 2026, Trump and the Government of Israel launched military strikes on Iran, triggering Iranian counterattacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. These events disrupted one-fifth of the global oil trade, pushing nationwide gas prices above $4 per gallon and as high as $6 in California.

White House Spokesman Kush Desai defended the administration, asserting that temporary disruptions result from Iranian attempts to subvert energy flows and that the government remains focused on its economic agenda. Despite reports of record stock market highs, the political fallout is severe. Registered voters now favor Democrats over Republicans 41% to 37% for the November midterm elections, reversing the Republican party's previous advantage on economic management.