US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest level of his political career, with growing concerns over the economy, the cost of living and the war in Iran creating fresh challenges for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday, only 33% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as president. The figure marks the third consecutive Reuters/Ipsos survey in which Trump’s approval rating has remained at 33%.
The findings come as Republicans prepare to defend their narrow majorities in Congress in the November 3 elections, while Democrats appear to have gained momentum among voters concerned about economic conditions.
Democrats show stronger enthusiasm for midterms
The poll suggests Democrats currently have an enthusiasm advantage heading into the elections.
Around 46% of self-identified Democrats said they were “very enthusiastic” about voting in November, compared with 31% of Republicans.
Independent voters could also play an important role in determining the outcome. When respondents were asked which party they would support if congressional elections were held today, 36% of independents chose Democratic candidates, while 22% said they would vote Republican.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey questioned 1,167 adults across the United States and has a margin of error of approximately three percentage points in either direction.
Cost of living emerges as major concern
Economic dissatisfaction appears to be one of the biggest problems for the Trump administration.
The poll found that 71% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, including around four in 10 Republicans.
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High inflation and expensive everyday goods have continued to influence voters’ views of the economy. Gasoline prices have also risen amid the conflict with Iran, adding further pressure on household budgets.
For about a month, registered voters surveyed by Reuters/Ipsos have said that Democrats have better ideas for managing the economy than Republicans. According to the poll, this is the first time in roughly a decade that Democrats have held an advantage on the issue.
Iran war adds to political pressure
Trump’s handling of the Iran war is another major liability.
Only 36% of Americans surveyed said they approved of the conflict. The war has included periods of reduced fighting, but missile exchanges have intensified again in recent days.
The conflict has also affected global energy markets. Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted a major route for international oil trade, contributing to higher energy costs.
The economic consequences of the conflict could therefore become increasingly important to American voters, particularly if higher fuel and other energy costs continue to feed into household expenses.
Trump faces difficult road ahead
Trump’s current approval rating is significantly below the 47% approval level recorded earlier in his current term. It is also lower than the 35% approval rating reached by former President Joe Biden in October 2024, according to the Reuters/Ipsos polling data cited in the report.
With the midterm elections approaching, the findings represent a warning sign for Republicans. Stronger Democratic enthusiasm, support among independents and growing dissatisfaction over economic conditions could influence races across Congress.
For Trump and his party, the challenge will be to convince voters that their economic policies are improving household finances while addressing growing concerns over the costs and consequences of the Iran conflict.
