By Elsie Kamsiyochi
President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains close to the lowest levels of his political career, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, as concerns over rising fuel costs and the broader economy continue to weigh heavily on public opinion. The survey, completed on June 8, found that only 35% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in office, matching the level recorded in mid-May and remaining just above the 34% rating he received in April, the lowest of his current term.
The poll highlights growing anxiety among Americans about the economic impact of the ongoing conflict involving Iran. A majority of respondents believe gasoline prices will continue to rise over the next year, reflecting fears that instability in global energy markets could further strain household budgets. Nearly six in ten Americans expect fuel costs to increase, while only a small minority believe prices will improve.
Public frustration appears to be especially intense regarding the cost of living. Just 22% of respondents said they approve of Trump’s handling of living expenses and household costs, while 70% expressed disapproval. The findings suggest that inflation-related concerns remain one of the administration’s most significant political challenges. Although Trump campaigned on promises to lower costs and strengthen the economy, many voters remain unconvinced that sufficient progress has been made.
The economic worries are closely tied to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Trump’s decision earlier this year to join Israel in launching military strikes against Iran triggered a prolonged period of regional instability. Iran’s response disrupted shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that previously handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. While tensions have eased somewhat and fuel prices have stabilized in recent weeks, uncertainty surrounding the conflict continues to influence public sentiment.
The poll also found limited support for the military campaign itself. Only 36% of Americans approve of the U.S. strikes on Iran, and just 25% believe the benefits of the operation have outweighed its costs. These figures suggest that many voters remain skeptical about both the strategic and economic consequences of the conflict.
Political implications are becoming increasingly significant as the country approaches the November midterm elections. Registered voters surveyed in the poll said they would favor Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans by a margin of 41% to 37% if elections were held today. The results indicate that Democrats currently hold a slight advantage in the battle for control of Congress.
One of the most notable findings involves perceptions of economic leadership. Republicans traditionally held an edge on economic issues in many national surveys, but that advantage appears to be narrowing. In the latest poll, 37% of voters said Republicans have the better economic plan, while 36% favored Democrats—a difference small enough to suggest a highly competitive political environment.
The administration’s struggles on economic issues echo challenges faced by former President Joe Biden, whose presidency was also marked by voter dissatisfaction over inflation and living costs. However, the latest figures indicate that Americans are now expressing even greater dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of these concerns than they did with Biden at the end of his term.
With fuel prices, inflation, and international tensions remaining dominant issues, the coming months are likely to be critical for the White House. Whether the administration can ease economic concerns and improve public confidence may play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections and the broader political landscape heading into the future.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,531 American adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of approximately two percentage points.
Source: Reuters
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