US President Donald Trump is currently facing one of the most difficult stretches of his political career, with his public approval rating dropping to a record low. A recent survey has brought striking findings to light: just 33 percent of Americans now approve of Trump’s performance, while 64 percent expressed strong disapproval of his decisions — the lowest approval rating of his current term. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted over four days and concluding Monday, this figure is down from 35 percent earlier in the month, and matches the lowest level Trump recorded during his first term, back in December 2017.
Analysts attribute the sharp decline primarily to the ongoing military conflict with Iran and its resulting economic fallout. During his election campaign, Trump had made clear promises to control inflation and avoid entangling the US in prolonged foreign wars. However, after taking office, he ordered military action against Iran alongside Israel, leading many to feel he had gone back on his word. This military conflict has severely disrupted oil transportation through the critical Strait of Hormuz. With roughly a fifth of international oil trade affected, petrol prices in the US have surged dramatically — with the cost of gasoline up nearly a third compared to a year earlier, according to the American Automobile Association. The resulting rise in fuel prices has pushed up the cost of everyday essentials, placing significant strain on the budgets of ordinary households. The Trump administration had initially expected the war with Iran to conclude within a few weeks, but the situation on the ground has since proven far more prolonged and complex.
Americans are increasingly anxious that this conflict could turn into a drawn-out war with no clear end in sight. Around 80 percent of survey respondents — including 87 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans — believe the conflict will continue for an extended period. Only 16 percent believe peace could be achieved within a few weeks. The fact that such deep anxiety is being expressed even among members of his own party has translated into significant political headwinds for Trump. With the US midterm elections approaching in November, these developments have emerged as a serious challenge for the Republican Party.