POLLING CRUNCH: Trump Approval Hits 36% as “Iran War” and Gas Prices Bite
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 36%, the lowest point of his second term, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The decline marks a significant shift in public sentiment as the “Second Iran War” approaches its second month and American consumers face a drastic surge in energy costs.
The poll, which surveyed 1,272 adults nationwide, highlights a presidency under intense pressure from both the economic fallout of the conflict and a growing “anti-war” sentiment across the political spectrum.
The Economic Drag: “Cost of Living” Crisis
The most damaging metric for the administration is the public’s view of its economic stewardship. Despite campaigning on a platform of “vibrant growth,” the war-induced energy shock has soured the electorate’s outlook.
- Handling of Cost of Living: Only 25% of respondents approve of Trump’s performance on this issue—a record low.
- Economic Stewardship: Just 29% approve of his overall economic management, lower than any rating recorded during the Biden administration.
- The “Gas Station” Effect: With gasoline prices surging by approximately $1.00 per gallon since the start of the war on February 28, 89% of Americans now identify fuel costs as their primary concern.
The War Divide: Diminishing Support for Strikes
While the initial strikes on February 28 saw a brief “rally-around-the-flag” effect, support for the military campaign is eroding as the conflict expands into the Caspian Sea and triggers retaliatory strikes in Kuwait.
| Poll Metric | Last Week | This Week (March 24) |
| Overall Approval | 40% | 36% |
| Approve of Iran Strikes | 37% | 35% |
| Disapprove of Iran Strikes | 59% | 61% |
| U.S. Safer in Long Run? | 29% (Yes) | 26% (Yes) |
“The poll points to a president facing significant public opposition… 46% of respondents believe the war will make the U.S. less safe in the long run.” — Reuters/Ipsos Analysis
The “MAGA” Friction
Perhaps most concerning for the White House is the growing dissent within Trump’s own base. While overall Republican support remains relatively high at 80%, a significant 34% of Republicans now disapprove of the President’s handling of the cost of living—up from 27% just last week.
High-profile voices traditionally aligned with the President—including Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Megyn Kelly—have reportedly voiced skepticism about the war’s objectives, adding to the sense of a “base-level” fracture over the intervention.
Political Consequences: The 2026 Midterms
Despite the President’s personal slide, the poll suggests that the Democratic Party has yet to fully capitalize on the discontent.
- Generic Ballot: Republicans still hold a slight edge (38% to 34%) when voters are asked which party are “better stewards” of the economy.
- Key Issues: While Democrats lead on healthcare and women’s rights, Republicans are still favored on immigration and crime, providing a potential buffer for the GOP as they look to maintain control of Congress this November.
What’s Next?
The 36% approval rating provides a grim backdrop for the Thursday, March 26 summit in Islamabad. President Trump is under immense pressure to secure an “off-ramp” that reopens the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizes fuel prices before the Friday ultimatum expires. If the “inner circle” diplomacy led by Jared Kushner fails to produce a deal, the administration may find itself entering the “total infrastructure phase” of the war with historically low public support.