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The Guardian World1 min read
Trump approval dips to record low amid Iran war, inflation woes: Poll
TL;DR
Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low of 34% amid economic uncertainty and the US-Israel war on Iran. Only 22% of respondents approve of his handling of the cost of living.
Key points
- Trump's approval rating is at a record low of 34%
- Only 22% approve of his handling of the cost of living
- The Iran war is impacting energy prices and inflation
United States President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest point since he returned to the White House, sinking to 34 percent amid economic uncertainty and the US-Israel war on Iran, a Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests.
The poll, released on Tuesday, also showed that only 22 percent of respondents back Trump’s performance on the cost of living. Affordability has been a top issue for US voters.
The Iran war, which saw Tehran block most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, has sent energy prices soaring across the world and fuelled inflation in the US.
The Reuters poll was conducted April 24-27, and it surveyed 1,014 US adults.
It comes months before the midterm elections in November when Trump’s Republican Party will have to contend with the US president’s abysmal job approval ratings as it tries to retain control of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Trump continues to enjoy near-unanimous support from Republicans in Congress despite growing criticism of the war on Iran by some right-wing commentators and podcasters.
The conflict has also been unpopular with US voters, including a sizeable Republican constituency.
A Marquette Law School survey released last week suggested that only 32 percent of voters approve of Trump’s handling of the war.
The number rose to 65 percent among Republican respondents, but it still showed significant dissent within the party on the issue.
A separate Associated Press-NORC poll last week reported similar findings – Trump’s overall approval rating at 33 percent, support for the war at 32 percent and his handling of the economy at 30 percent.
The US and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire on April 8 that Trump extended indefinitely, but tensions remain high in the region.
Duelling blockades in the Gulf – Iran shutting down the Strait of Hormuz and the US laying a naval siege on Iranian ports – have caused global energy supply issues to persist despite the truce.
In the US, the average price of 1 gallon (3.8 litres) of petrol is currently at $4.17, up from less than $3 before the war.
Still, Trump has suggested that he is comfortable with the status quo, claiming repeatedly that the Iranian economy is crumbling and that time is on his side.
Q&A
What is Donald Trump's current approval rating?
Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 34%, the lowest since he returned to the White House.
How is the Iran war affecting inflation in the US?
The Iran war has led to soaring energy prices and contributed to rising inflation in the US.
What percentage of voters approve of Trump's handling of the cost of living?
Only 22% of respondents approve of Trump's performance regarding the cost of living.
