A recent nationwide survey indicates that approximately 70 percent of US adults view the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign in Iran as unjustified, marking a five-point increase in opposition since July. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released the findings on Thursday, noting that 71 percent of respondents disapprove of President Donald Trump’s management of the Iran situation.
The poll, which included more than 2,000 adult participants, highlighted significant public frustration regarding the economy and inflation. Only 17 percent of those surveyed approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while just 26 percent approved of his overall economic performance, representing a historic low for the administration. Concerns over fuel affordability have intensified, with about half of respondents expressing deep worry about their ability to fill their vehicles’ gas tanks, up from 39 percent in the summer. Additionally, roughly 50 percent are highly concerned about affording groceries.
These figures emerge as Trump launches his midterm election campaign, beginning with rallies in Texas and Oklahoma. The president is attempting to energize the Republican base despite widespread voter anxiety over the economic repercussions of the conflict with Iran. Despite the general discontent, two-thirds of Republican respondents attributed rising prices to forces beyond the president’s control, whereas only about one-third blamed his policies directly. Furthermore, more than half of all adults stated that the nation is worse off economically than when Trump returned to office in 2025.
When asked during an interview with TIME magazine whether the unpopular war could jeopardize his party’s November prospects, Trump acknowledged the possibility. He added, however, that the conflict should ultimately benefit his re-election efforts because it prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Facing declining approval numbers, Trump dismissed the data, claiming that pollsters are corrupt and labeling the negative results as fake. He asserted he would defeat any current opponent by a margin of 20 points.
I’m curious about the Republican base’s reaction. Two-thirds blaming external forces suggests they might stay loyal despite the anger.
Wait, did he really just call pollsters corrupt because the numbers didn’t suit him? Classic deflection move, isn’t it?
Only 17% approve of his handling of inflation? That is a staggering number. How does he plan to win midterms on this?
Seems like the public is finally waking up to how costly these foreign interventions really are. The economy is hurting too much.