Donald Trump is facing mounting public scrutiny as his approval rating remains at the lowest level of his current term, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey highlights growing unease among Americans about both his leadership style and the broader direction of U.S. policy during escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The nationwide poll, conducted over six days and concluding Monday, found that just 36% of Americans approve of the president’s performance—a figure unchanged from the previous month and significantly lower than the 47% he recorded shortly after taking office in January 2025.
War With Iran Weighs on Public Opinion
A major factor shaping public sentiment appears to be the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Military action involving the United States and Israel has contributed to rising fuel costs, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Support for the military campaign remains limited. The poll shows that only about a third of Americans back U.S. strikes against Iran, reflecting a divided public. Just 26% believe the military action has been worth the cost, and only a quarter think it will ultimately make the country safer.
Economic concerns are also intensifying. Approval of Trump’s handling of the cost of living stands at 26%, one of the lowest ratings recorded for his presidency, as higher gasoline prices continue to impact consumers nationwide.
Questions Over Temperament and Fitness
Beyond policy issues, the poll underscores growing concerns about Trump’s temperament and mental sharpness. Only 26% of respondents described him as “even-tempered,” with stark partisan divides: a slim majority of Republicans agreed with that assessment, while Democrats overwhelmingly disagreed.
More broadly, 51% of Americans—including notable portions of Republicans and independents—said they believe Trump’s mental sharpness has declined over the past year. These perceptions have been fueled in part by a series of controversial public statements and confrontational rhetoric in recent weeks.
Escalating Rhetoric Draws Criticism
The president has drawn attention for a number of inflammatory remarks, including threats directed at Iran and sharp criticism of Pope Leo, who had voiced concerns about the conflict. Trump’s comments about the pontiff—accusing him of weakness—have sparked backlash, particularly given the pope’s relatively strong public standing.
According to the poll, 60% of Americans view Pope Leo favorably, compared with 36% who hold a positive view of Trump. The pope’s approval rating also exceeds that of several prominent U.S. political figures.
Foreign Policy and Alliances Under Scrutiny
Trump’s approach to international alliances is also facing skepticism. Only 16% of respondents support withdrawing the United States from NATO, an idea the president has previously floated.
Earlier tensions with allies, including remarks about potential territorial disputes, have further contributed to concerns about the administration’s foreign policy direction.
A Divided Political Landscape
The survey, which included more than 4,500 adults and carries a margin of error of approximately two percentage points, paints a picture of a deeply divided electorate. While Trump maintains strong support among a segment of Republican voters, broader public confidence appears to be eroding.
As the situation with Iran evolves and domestic economic pressures persist, the administration faces increasing challenges in rebuilding public trust. Whether approval ratings improve may depend on both geopolitical developments and how effectively the government addresses concerns about leadership, stability, and economic impact.
