US President Donald J. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 32%, marking the lowest of his political career, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over a four-day period that concluded on September 18, 2026. The decline is attributed to dissatisfaction among Republicans regarding his management of the cost of living, particularly in light of the ongoing Iran war. The poll indicates that support among Republicans for Trump decreased from 82% to 73% in just one week.
The poll, which surveyed registered voters, found that only 17% of respondents approved of Trump's handling of the cost of living, a key issue for voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump's overall approval rating has dropped from 35% in the previous week’s poll. The dissatisfaction among Republicans has grown since the onset of the war with Iran in February, which has led to increased gasoline and diesel prices. Currently, 51% of Republicans disapprove of Trump's handling of inflation, compared to 44% who approve.
In comparison, Trump's approval rating is lower than that of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, who recorded a low of 35% during his presidency. The poll also revealed that only 34% of respondents approve of the military strikes on Iran, with 82% believing the conflict will continue for an extended period. The ongoing situation in Iran has disrupted oil markets, contributing to inflationary pressures in the US and globally.
In terms of congressional voting intentions, the poll showed that 43% of respondents would vote for Democrats, while 35% would support Republicans, marking an 8-point lead for Democrats, the largest in Reuters/Ipsos polling this year. This shift could pose challenges for Trump’s agenda if Republicans lose control of either chamber of Congress. On immigration, 79% of Republicans support Trump, but only 36% of Americans overall approve of his approach. Additionally, 35% of respondents approve of his crime-fighting strategies, while 50% disapprove. The poll gathered 1,277 responses from US adults nationwide and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.