Key Highlights
- Record Low Approval: Trump’s popularity dropped to 34 percent, down from 36 percent just weeks ago.
- Economic Discontent: Only 22 percent of Americans approve of the administration’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis.
- Fuel Crisis: Gasoline prices have surged 40 percent, reaching a national average of approximately $4.18 per gallon.
- Security Incident: The poll follows a thwarted assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026.
- Midterm Risks: Independent voters are increasingly leaning toward Democrats ahead of the November elections.
President Donald Trump’s public standing has reached a critical low, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey. At 34 percent, his approval rating is significantly lower than the 47 percent recorded when he assumed office in January 2025. This downward trend is largely attributed to the administration’s military strategy and its ripple effects on the global economy.
The decline accelerated following the launch of “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28, 2026, a joint military campaign with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and leadership infrastructure. While the administration initially framed the strikes as a necessary security measure, the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy crisis. With roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply stalled, American consumers are feeling the impact at the pump.
Economic Fallout and Public Dissatisfaction
Inflation has become the primary grievance for the American electorate. Approval for Trump’s economic management has fallen to 27 percent, a figure lower than the lowest ratings seen during his first term or those of former President Joe Biden.
The surge in gasoline prices to $4.18 per gallon has been accompanied by a 45 percent increase in diesel costs, which is driving up the price of groceries and essential goods. Within the Republican Party, signs of friction are appearing, while 78 percent of Republicans still support the President, 41 percent expressed dissatisfaction with his approach to curbing inflation.
Security Concerns and the 2026 Midterms
The survey was conducted against the backdrop of a major security breach on April 25, 2026. During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, a suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen fired shots near a security checkpoint in an attempt to target administration officials. Though the President was unharmed, the event has added to a sense of national instability.
The political consequences of these crises are becoming evident as the November midterm elections approach. The Reuters, Ipsos data shows a significant shift among independent voters, 34 percent now favor the Democratic Party, compared to only 20 percent who support Republicans.
If the current trend continues, the Republican Party faces the risk of losing control of Congress. While a defeat in the midterms would not remove Trump from office, a Democrat-led House or Senate would likely stall his legislative agenda and increase the likelihood of rigorous oversight and investigations during the remainder of his term.
Survey Methodology
The online poll was conducted nationwide and gathered responses from 1,269 adults, including 1,014 registered voters. The results carry a margin of error of 3 percentage points, emphasizing the narrow path the administration faces to regain public confidence before the fall elections.
