Trump approval hits 34% as Americans sour on Iran war and economy

U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating has slipped to 34 per cent, its lowest point yet during his second term, as Americans grow more critical of his record on the economy and ongoing military operations in Iran.

According to polling by the Angus Reid Institute, 58 per cent of Americans disapprove of Trump's performance as president. Strong disapproval alone — 46 per cent — outweighs his total approval, underscoring the intensity of opposition. Disapproval has remained the majority view throughout 2026, though approval has declined modestly but steadily from 37 per cent in December and January.

The deterioration in Trump's standing coincides with a prolonged conflict with Iran that has created widespread economic strain. Gas prices have climbed to their highest level ever recorded for the month of August, affecting Americans across the country as they commute and travel for summer vacations.

Trump retains near-universal backing from his most fervent supporters — 88 per cent of Republicans who identify with the MAGA movement approve of his performance — but support falters among non-MAGA Republicans (59 per cent approval), and approval among Democrats and independents is negligible. Older Americans offer more approval than younger ones, with 45 per cent of men 55 and older approving compared with a third or fewer among younger men and women.

When asked to name Trump's greatest accomplishment since his January 2025 inauguration, 78 per cent of Republicans named something positive, compared with 50 per cent of independents and 28 per cent of Democrats. Among those who identified an accomplishment, immigration and border security ranked first at 17 per cent, followed by strong leadership and placing America first at 7 per cent, and the economy at 6 per cent. Nearly half of all Americans could not name a single accomplishment.