Americans Deterritted by Trump’s Policies on Inflation and Iran

(SeaPRwire) –   Two recent surveys indicate that President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are declining, as Americans have grown disillusioned with the Iran war and are becoming more concerned about inflation and the state of the economy. 

These numbers raise the possibility that Republican candidates will be negatively impacted by Trump in the approaching midterm elections, a scenario that might give Democrats control over Congress. 

Almost 18 months into Trump’s second term, a fresh New York Times/Siena poll of 1,507 registered voters, published on Monday, revealed that 50% would cast their ballot for the Democratic candidate in their district if an election were held today—an increase from 48% in January and 47% in September 2025.

The Times survey noted that Trump’s approval rating has reached a second-term low of 37%, since a definitive conclusion to the widely unpopular Iran war remains out of his reach.

In the meantime, a CBS poll issued on Sunday found that 63% of 2,064 voters disapprove of Trump, with 52% expressing strong disapproval of his job performance.

The decline in approval is especially noticeable among specific voter groups that played a key role in his 2024 win—such as Latino voters, independents, and young voters who shifted heavily toward Republicans. However, the Times poll indicates that 71% of Hispanic respondents, 70% of independents, and 76% of voters aged 18-29 disapprove of Trump’s performance. During the 2024 election, Trump secured 48% of the Hispanic vote, 48% of the independent vote, and 39% of the 18-29 vote.

Since the war started on February 28, gas prices have spiked and inflation has picked up speed over the months. As per the Consumer Price Index released on May 12, consumer prices hit a three-year high of 3.8% by the end of April. The average U.S. gas price has climbed to approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Survey respondents report that inflation has hit them hard and they are deeply concerned about the economy.

Both polls were carried out last week, coinciding with Trump facing criticism for telling reporters that Americans’ economic hardship is not a concern of his regarding the Iran war—“not even a little bit.”

“I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all,” he told reporters on May 13.

In 2024, Trump campaigned (and won) on his affordability initiatives and his pledge that voting for him would result in lower grocery costs.

Although presidential approval ratings typically signal how well a party will perform in midterms, the polls also revealed frustration with Democrats—only 26% of the Times poll’s participants stated they were satisfied with the party.

Here are the issues most affecting Trump’s support among voters.

The war in Iran is deeply unpopular 

The CBS poll found that 66% of respondents disagree with how Trump is managing the Iran situation, and 61% oppose all military action against the country.

Sixty-eight percent of respondents say the Trump Administration has not clearly outlined its objectives in Iran, and most do not think the war has benefited U.S. economic interests. A larger number of respondents believe it has aided the U.S.’s military and strategic interests.

A significant 79% of Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the war, while 96% of Democrats disapprove.

Last week, Congress came closer than ever before to passing a War Powers Resolution that would limit Trump’s ability to continue the Iran war, as three Republican senators defied their party to support the measure.

Likewise, the New York Times poll found that 63% of voters—including 27% of Republicans—think the president should not be allowed to use military force unless Congress approves it.

Only 40% of Times poll respondents believe the war will be somewhat or very successful in eliminating Iran’s nuclear program, whereas 50% think it will fail. If the U.S. cannot quickly reach an agreement to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, 52% of respondents say the U.S. should not restart military action.

Several months after Trump authorized the U.S. military to capture and oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid, 70% of Times respondents also stated that using military force to overthrow hostile governments is not justified unless those governments pose an “immediate threat.”

Trump is facing his worst approval ratings on the economy in his second term

Both polls mirror Americans’ increasing economic anxiety as gas and grocery prices keep rising. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump Administration’s tariff system, and fragile supply chains have driven up prices for all types of goods.

Per the CBS poll, 73% of respondents disapprove of Trump’s approach to inflation, and most have a worsening view of the U.S. economy: 65% describe it as “uncertain” and 63% as “struggling.” Approximately half of respondents said Trump’s policies will probably harm the U.S. economy in the long run, and 65% think it will get worse in the short term.

These figures mark Trump’s lowest approval rating on the economy during his second term—a notable change, considering this issue has long been viewed as his political strong suit.

In the Times poll, the percentage of Americans who call the U.S. economy “poor” has increased by 11 points since the beginning of the year. While a majority of Republicans (63%) still approve of Trump’s handling of inflation, that figure is significantly lower than the 74% approval rate in March.

Regarding their personal finances, 57% of respondents said Trump’s policies are making them worse off financially, and 77% report that their income is not keeping pace with inflation. In the New York Times poll, 44% of voters said his policies have personally harmed them—an increase from 36% last autumn.