US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 33%, marking the lowest level of his current presidency, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The four-day survey found that 64% of Americans disapproved of Trump's performance, compared with 33% who approved.
The result comes as the US-Iran war continues to weigh on Americans, particularly through higher petrol prices and concerns over how long the conflict could last.
Trump's approval rating has fallen from 35% in an earlier poll conducted this month. The latest figure also matches the lowest approval rating recorded during his previous presidency, in December 2017.
80% expect US-Iran war to continue
The poll found widespread pessimism about the duration of the conflict.
Around 80% of Americans said they expected US involvement in Iran to continue for an extended period.
That view was shared across party lines:
- 87% of Democrats expect the conflict to continue for an extended period
- 71% of Republicans hold the same view
- Only 16% overall expect the conflict to end within a few weeks
The findings could complicate Trump's efforts to defend the military campaign, particularly after he initially suggested that the conflict could be resolved within weeks.
Iran has continued to resist pressure, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected global oil markets.
Petrol prices add to pressure on Trump
Higher fuel prices have emerged as one of the most politically sensitive consequences of the conflict.
Trump campaigned on promises to control inflation and avoid prolonged foreign wars. The Iran conflict has put both issues under renewed scrutiny.
At a political rally in New York, Trump defended higher petrol prices, arguing that paying somewhat more at the pump was justified if it prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
However, only one in five Americans surveyed said the war had been worth the cost.
Even among Republicans, only about half considered the conflict worthwhile.
Democrats gain ground on the economy
The poll also showed a shift in voters' views on which party is better equipped to manage the US economy.
According to the survey:
- 38% said Democrats would handle the economy better
- 35% preferred Republicans
- Democrats were also viewed more favourably on the cost of living
The result is notable because Republicans had maintained an advantage on economic management for years.
With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, concerns about inflation, petrol prices and the Iran conflict could become important issues for Republican candidates.
Republicans still lead on immigration
Immigration remains one area where Republicans retain an advantage.
Around 40% of registered voters said Republicans have a better approach to immigration, compared with 38% for Democrats.
However, the two-point Republican advantage is the smallest recorded during Trump's current term.
Republicans had led Democrats by 26 percentage points in January 2025.
The change comes amid continuing controversy over Trump's immigration crackdown, including confrontations involving protesters and authorities and an increase in the number of detainees.
Trump faces political test before midterms
The latest approval figures represent a significant political challenge for Trump.
His return to the White House in 2025 initially came with approval from nearly half of Americans. His numbers have since declined as the Iran war, energy prices and economic concerns have become more prominent.
The midterm elections will provide an important test of whether dissatisfaction with Trump's policies translates into losses for Republicans in Congress.
With Americans increasingly expecting the Iran conflict to last, the administration faces growing pressure to demonstrate that the military campaign can produce a clear outcome without allowing economic costs to rise further.
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