President Donald Trump is facing some of the worst polling numbers of his presidency as new surveys show growing public dissatisfaction over the economy, inflation, and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
A new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found Trump’s disapproval rating has climbed to 62%, the highest recorded in the history of that survey during either of his terms in office.
The numbers arrive at a politically sensitive moment, with midterm elections approaching and concerns mounting inside Republican circles about independent voters drifting away from the president.
Polls Show Sharp Economic Frustration
The economy appears to be driving much of the backlash.
According to the poll, Trump’s weakest numbers came on cost-of-living issues, where voters expressed deep frustration over rising expenses and inflation.
A striking 76% of respondents said they disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 72% disapproved of his management of inflation.
Even on the broader economy, traditionally considered one of Trump’s political strengths, a majority of Americans now say they are dissatisfied with his performance.
The findings reflect months of economic pressure tied to rising fuel costs, global instability, and uncertainty surrounding the administration’s foreign policy strategy.
Iran Conflict Continues to Hurt Public Opinion
Trump’s handling of the Iran war also received poor marks in the survey.
Roughly two-thirds of Americans said they disapprove of the administration’s approach to the conflict, while only one-third expressed support.
The war has increasingly become a political liability as concerns grow about:
- Escalation in the Middle East
- Rising oil prices
- Potential long-term U.S. involvement
- Global economic disruptions
Recent tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and energy markets have amplified fears that the conflict could further strain American households already dealing with inflation.
The administration has argued that its strategy is designed to pressure Iran economically and militarily, but polling suggests many voters remain unconvinced.
Independent Voters Are Pulling Away
One of the more concerning signs for Republicans is Trump’s weakening support among independents.
The poll found his approval rating among independent voters sits at just 25%, while support among Republican-leaning independents has also declined significantly.
Among Democrats, approval remains extremely low, with only 5% expressing support for the president’s job performance.
Trump still maintains strong backing from core Republican voters, with approval among Republicans holding steady at 85%.
But political analysts often view independent voters as critical in determining control of Congress during midterm elections.
Democrats Gain Ground Ahead of Midterms
The survey also showed Democrats opening up a small but growing advantage in congressional preference polls.
Registered voters favored Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives by five points, an increase from earlier surveys this year.
While the margin is not overwhelming, it reflects a broader trend across several recent national polls showing declining public confidence in the administration.
Other recent surveys, including Reuters/Ipsos polling, have similarly placed Trump’s approval ratings near record lows.
Why the Numbers Matter
Poll fluctuations are common during any presidency, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or military conflict.
But the consistency of recent surveys pointing in the same direction is likely to intensify scrutiny of the administration’s messaging and political strategy heading into the election cycle.
Historically, presidents facing high inflation and overseas conflicts have often struggled to maintain strong approval numbers.
The White House has continued to defend Trump’s leadership, arguing that economic pain and geopolitical tensions are temporary and necessary to achieve broader national security goals.
The Bottom Line
The latest polling paints a difficult picture for President Trump as economic frustration and concerns over the Iran conflict continue to weigh heavily on public opinion.
While his core Republican base remains loyal, growing dissatisfaction among independents and swing voters could become a major challenge in the months ahead.
With midterm elections approaching, the administration now faces mounting pressure not just to defend its policies, but to convince voters conditions will improve.
Featured Image from: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons