Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Boosts Foreign Policy Approval/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump’s approval rating on the Israel-Palestinian conflict improved after brokering a Gaza ceasefire, according to a new AP-NORC poll. However, domestic approval remains stagnant or weak, with Americans critical of his handling of the economy, health care, and immigration. Most Americans still believe the country is on the wrong track.
Keyphrase + Quick Looks: Trump Approval Ratings After Gaza Ceasefire Quick Looks
- Trump’s approval on Israel-Palestinian conflict rose by 10 points
- Domestic approval on economy, immigration, health care remains low
- Gaza ceasefire deal viewed positively by some Democrats and independents
- 7 in 10 Americans say U.S. is on wrong path
- Majority disapprove of Trump’s handling of top domestic priorities
- Ceasefire praised, but inflation and shutdown dominate voter concerns
- Poll conducted before hostage release, but after ceasefire announcement
Deep Look
Trump Gains Foreign Policy Support After Gaza Ceasefire, But Domestic Approval Still Lags
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s foreign policy ratings saw a boost following his role in negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, according to a newly released AP-NORC poll. However, the president’s domestic approval remains stagnant, with widespread dissatisfaction surrounding his handling of the economy, immigration, and health care.
The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research from October 9–13, found that 47% of U.S. adults now approve of Trump’s handling of the Israel-Palestinian conflict — a 10-point increase from September. This uptick reflects moderate support for Trump’s peacemaking efforts, including from some Democrats and independents. Yet, the survey also highlights an overall lack of confidence in Trump’s domestic leadership.
Americans Credit Gaza Ceasefire, But Prioritize U.S. Issues
Trump’s diplomatic breakthrough in Gaza was viewed favorably by voters across the political spectrum. Among the 47% who support his handling of the Middle East conflict, many cite the release of Israeli hostages and the ceasefire’s relative stability as reasons for their approval.
Jack Bornstein, a 61-year-old independent from Georgia who usually votes Democratic, said he appreciated Trump’s efforts. “I give him credit for that. That’s probably the only thing I can say is positive for him,” he said, adding that grocery prices and health care costs remain personal priorities.
But despite the foreign policy win, Trump’s overall job approval remained flat — around 4 in 10 adults, the same as in the September survey.
Domestic Disapproval Still Dominates: Economy, Immigration, Health Care
Even among voters who supported the Gaza ceasefire, many expressed deep concerns about the economy, high living costs, and limited access to health care.
Only about one-third of Americans approve of how Trump is handling the economy, a figure that has remained unchanged throughout his second term.
Justin Sanders, a 31-year-old Republican from Alabama who voted for Trump twice, voiced his frustration. “It’s kind of cool he’s bringing peace,” Sanders said. “But we need the inflation to go down. I’m tired of sitting here struggling day by day.”
On immigration — traditionally a strong point for Trump — only about 40% of Americans express approval, slightly lower than at the start of his second term. The ongoing government shutdown has intensified criticism, particularly as millions feel the effects of health care cuts, hospital closures, and public service delays.
When it comes to health care, Trump fares worst: just 3 in 10 Americans approve of his approach. That includes 8 in 10 independents and about one-third of Republicans who say the administration’s strategy is failing.
Alison Weaver, a 62-year-old independent from Virginia, called Trump’s health care leadership “horrifying,” and his immigration enforcement “gestapo tactics.”
Public Sentiment: ‘Wrong Track’ Persists Despite Diplomatic Win
Perhaps the most telling data point in the survey: 7 in 10 Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction, down only slightly from September.
This decline follows the shock of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which had pushed pessimism to near-record levels. While Republicans are now slightly more optimistic than last month, Democrats and independents remain deeply dissatisfied.
These numbers could pose challenges for Trump heading into a volatile election cycle. Voters in states like New Jersey and Virginia are set to elect new governors in the coming weeks, while municipal races across the country may offer a preview of the national mood.
Republicans are navigating a complex dynamic: embracing Trump’s foreign policy achievements while managing the fallout from his poor domestic performance.
Voters Still Value Domestic Priorities Above Foreign Policy
According to separate AP-NORC polling from July, the economy, taxes, health care, and immigration remain top voter priorities. Only about 4 in 10 Americans said the Middle East conflict was “very important” to them personally, compared with 9 in 10 who named the economy.
That disconnect is evident in the current poll results. While Trump earned praise for the Gaza ceasefire, most voters quickly returned to discussing rising costs, government dysfunction, and shrinking access to health care services.
Dean Grace, a 73-year-old Democrat from Minnesota, summed up this tension: “I’ll give him some credit for the ceasefire,” he said. “But claiming peace in the Middle East is a stretch. As a Christian, I find nothing to agree with my president about morally.”
