Trump's Approval Rating Stays Below 40% as Republicans Blame Him for High Gas Prices

President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains stagnant at 36%, failing to rise above 40% since the onset of the conflict with Iran in late February 2026. Recent polling data from Reuters/Ipsos, conducted in May 2026, reveals that 63% of Americans disapprove of his job performance. A significant factor driving this dissatisfaction is the economic impact of the war, particularly rising fuel costs. Approximately half of Republican respondents hold the Trump administration at least partly responsible for a 50% increase in gas prices since the conflict began. Furthermore, 80% of Americans expect prices to continue rising. The war has also eroded political support, with 66% of respondents stating Trump has not clearly explained his military goals. This trend is corroborated by other major polls, including NPR/PBS News/Marist and Washington Post-ABC News, which show record-low approval ratings for Trump’s second term. Disapproval extends to his handling of the economy and inflation, with Democrats gaining a polling advantage ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The data indicates a broad bipartisan decline in confidence regarding Trump’s leadership during this geopolitical crisis.