Iran War Worsens Trump’s Economic Challenges, Polls Show/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New polling shows President Donald Trump’s economic approval falling amid the Iran war. Rising gas prices and inflation fears are increasing voter pessimism. Economic concerns may create political risks ahead of midterm elections.
Trump Economy Iran War Quick Looks
- Trump economic approval hits new low
- Gas prices rising amid Iran conflict
- Polls show increased economic pessimism
- Republicans showing growing concern
- Inflation and cost of living worsen
- Majority expect war to hurt economy
- Americans oppose paying higher gas prices
- Voters want focus on domestic issues
- Midterm election risks increasing
- Economic impacts may linger months
Deep Look: Iran War Adds to Trump’s Economic Challenges Ahead of Midterms
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s economic challenges are intensifying as the Iran war contributes to rising gas prices, increased inflation concerns, and declining approval ratings, according to multiple new polls.
The economy had already been a major political vulnerability for Trump and Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections. But analysts say the conflict with Iran has deepened voter concerns and increased pessimism about economic conditions.
Recent polling suggests the war is making Americans more negative about Trump’s handling of the economy and more worried about rising costs of living.
Trump’s Economic Approval Drops
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week showed Trump’s approval rating on the economy falling to 29% — the lowest of his presidency.
The figure represents a decline from approval ratings between 34% and 36% earlier this year. It also marks a lower economic approval rating than former President Joe Biden’s lowest point, which reached 32%.
Public opinion has also worsened on key economic indicators. Since mid-February, Trump’s net approval rating on cost-of-living issues dropped from minus-31 to minus-41. On inflation and rising prices, his net approval fell from minus-33 to minus-45.
Perhaps most concerning for Trump, disapproval is increasing among Republicans. The share of Republican voters dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of cost-of-living issues rose from 27% to 34%. On inflation, Republican disapproval climbed from 28% to 40%.
Polling averages compiled by analyst Nate Silver show Trump’s overall economic approval rating dropping to 37.2%, with disapproval reaching 59.4%.
Americans Concerned About Gas Prices
A separate AP-NORC poll found growing concern about fuel costs. Forty-five percent of Americans said they were extremely or very concerned about affording gas in the coming months — up from 30% in late 2024.
Americans also ranked preventing rising gas and oil prices as one of the most important priorities in the Iran conflict.
Sixty-seven percent said preventing rising fuel prices was extremely or very important, slightly higher than the 65% who prioritized preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Other goals, such as preventing Iran from threatening Israel or replacing Iran’s leadership, ranked significantly lower.
Economic Pessimism Growing
A CBS News-YouGov poll also showed rising pessimism about the economic effects of the war.
Americans said by a 48-point margin that they expected the conflict to weaken the economy in the short term. Only 15% said they expected the economy to improve, while 63% predicted it would worsen.
Long-term expectations were also negative. More Americans expected the economy to weaken over time than strengthen.
Oil and gas prices were another major concern. Fifty-eight percent of respondents expected the war to push fuel prices higher over the long term.
Trump has argued that weakening Iran could eventually reduce oil prices. However, polls indicate many Americans are unwilling to accept short-term price increases.
Focus on Domestic Issues
Another challenge for Trump is voter perception that he is focusing too heavily on international conflicts rather than domestic priorities.
Before the war began, 45% of Americans said Trump was focusing too much on international matters. That number has since increased to 58%.
Among independents, concern rose from 52% to 66%. Republican concern also increased, from 19% to 29%.
These shifts suggest voters want greater attention to inflation and domestic economic issues.
Long-Term Political Risks
Even if the conflict ends soon, analysts say economic impacts may persist. Oil prices often rise quickly during conflicts but fall slowly afterward, meaning consumers could face prolonged higher costs.
Higher fuel prices also affect transportation and supply chains, increasing prices for everyday goods.
With the midterm elections approaching, continued economic pressure could become a major political challenge for Trump and Republicans.
Polling suggests Americans are increasingly concerned about how the war will affect their finances — and that concern could shape the political landscape in the months ahead.
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