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Trump’s approval rating hits record low amid Iran war, economy fallout

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-21

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 32 percent, the lowest of his political career, amid dissatisfaction over his handling of the economy and the ongoing war with Iran. • Why it matters: The decline in approval, particularly among Republicans, could impact the Republican Party's ability to maintain its narrow majorities in Congress ahead of the midterm elections on November 3, as economic concerns dominate voter sentiment. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor Trump's response to the ongoing conflict with Iran and any potential diplomatic efforts, as well as how these factors influence voter sentiment and the upcoming midterm elections.

**Trump’s Approval Rating Hits Record Low Amid Iran War and Economic Concerns**

*Published on September 21, 2026*

In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 32 percent, marking the lowest point of his political career. This decline comes as dissatisfaction among voters, particularly within his own Republican party, grows over his handling of the economy and the ongoing war with Iran.

The four-day poll, which concluded on Sunday, revealed a significant drop in support among Republicans. Approval among this group fell from 82 percent to 73 percent in just one week. The poll indicated that only 17 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s management of the cost of living, which has emerged as the foremost concern for voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections on November 3. This economic issue is critical as Trump’s Republicans seek to defend their narrow majorities in Congress.

The economic fallout from the war with Iran, which began in February, has been particularly impactful. Rising gasoline and diesel prices have contributed to the growing discontent among voters. For the first time, disapproval of Trump’s handling of the cost of living among Republicans has surpassed approval, with 51 percent expressing dissatisfaction compared to 44 percent who still support him in this area.

Trump’s approval rating was notably higher when he returned to the White House in January 2025, following promises to control inflation and end foreign conflicts. At that time, his approval stood at 47 percent. However, as the realities of the ongoing conflict and economic challenges have set in, public sentiment has shifted dramatically.

In response to the ongoing war, Trump stated on Wednesday that the United States is "hopefully toward the end" of its conflict with Iran, suggesting a potential for renewed diplomatic efforts, although direct negotiations have not been confirmed by Tehran. The continuation of hostilities, particularly in Yemen, complicates the situation further and may impact public perception of his leadership.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online, gathered responses from 1,277 adults across the United States and carries a margin of error of three percentage points. As the midterm elections approach, the implications of these approval ratings could be significant for Trump and his party, as they navigate the challenges posed by both domestic economic issues and international conflicts.

Source: Al Jazeera
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