President Donald Trump’s approval rating has stagnated at 35%, hovering near the 34% low point recorded in April 2026, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll finalized in June 2026. Public dissatisfaction is driven primarily by the administration’s handling of the economy and the ongoing military conflict with Iran, which has significantly impacted gasoline prices for American consumers.
Why is Trump’s approval rating struggling?
The president’s current standing is tied closely to the rising cost of living, with only 22% of Americans expressing approval for how he is managing the economy. This figure represents a decline compared to his predecessor, Joe Biden, who exited his term with a 29% approval rating on the same issue. According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll of 4,531 American adults, 59% of respondents anticipate that gasoline prices will continue to climb over the next year, while only 17% expect improvement.
The national average price for regular gasoline has reached $4.16 per gallon, according to data from AAA. This spike is linked to the conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments through the critical Hormuz Strait.
How does the Iran conflict impact domestic support?
Military engagement with Iran has proven to be a significant political liability for the White House. The Reuters/Ipsos polling data indicates that only 36% of Americans support the strikes against Iran, and just 25% believe the strategic benefits of the intervention justify the associated costs. As of June 8, 2026, both Israel and Iran have indicated a pause in direct strikes following an appeal from President Trump to stop the hostilities, though the geopolitical instability continues to weigh on domestic sentiment.
Is the labor market providing a buffer for the economy?
Despite low presidential approval ratings, the U.S. labor market has shown unexpected resilience. In May 2026, the economy added 172,000 non-farm jobs, nearly doubling analyst expectations, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%. These robust employment figures have complicated the outlook for the Federal Reserve; while many previously expected interest rate cuts, the strong data has increased the probability of potential rate hikes later this year to combat persistent inflationary pressures.
Comparison: Economic Sentiment vs. Job Growth
| Metric | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Approval of cost-of-living handling | 22% |
| Public expectation of higher gas prices | 59% |
| May 2026 job growth | 172,000 new jobs |
When analyzing presidential approval trends, look beyond the top-line percentage. Discrepancies between specific policy approval (such as economic management) and general job performance often signal where a president faces the most significant risk during midterm election cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current approval rating for President Trump?
As of the June 2026 Reuters/Ipsos poll, President Trump’s approval rating stands at 35%.
How does the current economic approval compare to the previous administration?
Only 22% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, which is lower than the 29% approval rating Joe Biden held for the same issue at the end of his term.
What is the primary factor driving public concern regarding the economy?
Rising gasoline prices, fueled by the conflict with Iran and the resulting disruption to global oil trade, are the primary drivers of negative economic sentiment.
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