After the opening of the Iranian front, Donald Trump faces a clear decline in his popularity. Between rising fuel prices, lack of a clear timeline for the war, and public fatigue demanding a quick end to operations, the American president enters a politically fragile phase of his second term. With nineteen months to go until the midterm elections, the war in the Middle East is weighing heavily beyond just the military field.
Although Donald Trump claims “decisive victories” against Iran, opinion surveys no longer favor him. The RealClearPolitics average placed his approval at 41.1% on April 1, with a disapproval rating of 56.7%, his lowest since returning to the White House in January 2025. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in late March even had his approval rating at 36%. Regardless of method variations, the trend is evident: the president is losing ground, with the conflict with Iran fuelling this decline.
The core reason for this decline is identified as the war itself. According to Reuters/Ipsos, 60% of Americans disapprove of attacks on Iran and 66% now want a swift end to the conflict, even if it means not achieving all the administration’s goals. This politically significant statistic shows that the majority is now more focused on a quick exit rather than total victory.
Other polls corroborate this shift in sentiment. A survey noted a drop in approval ratings for the decision to use force, and two-thirds of respondents believe Trump lacks a clear plan for the conflict. As uncertainties grow, the public’s unease is palpable, particularly in light of previous military engagements like Iraq and Afghanistan.
The decline in approval ratings is not solely attributed to military matters but is also tied to economic concerns, specifically fuel prices. A surge in energy prices following the war has led to increased financial strain on households, further eroding Trump’s stronghold on economic issues.
While Trump maintains a base of support among Republicans, recent surveys indicate a growing divide within this group regarding the war in Iran. A substantial portion desires a swift end to American involvement, highlighting a temporal limit to their support.
As Trump navigates this delicate political landscape, the Democrats see an opportunity to leverage the war as a campaign issue. The uncertainties unleashed by the conflict provide them with a potent narrative against a president who promised stability but delivered insecurity, giving the opposition a potential advantage in the upcoming midterm elections.
As Trump’s second term enters a more unstable phase, the erosion of support is evident across various issues, posing a significant challenge to his administration’s credibility and effectiveness.
