AP-NORC Poll Shows Trump’s Overall Approval Rating Stands at 37%/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new AP-NORC poll shows Republican support for President Trump’s economic handling has declined amid rising costs tied to the Iran conflict. The poll found Trump’s overall approval rating stands at 37%. Despite economic frustrations, Trump continues maintaining strong support within the Republican Party. Immigration remains one of Trump’s strongest issues, while most Americans still disapprove of his handling of Iran and foreign policy.
Trump Approval Poll Quick Looks
- Republican approval of Trump’s economic handling declined sharply since February.
- About 6 in 10 Republicans still approve of Trump’s economy policies.
- Trump’s overall national approval rating stands at 37%.
- Rising gas prices linked to the Iran conflict are affecting public opinion.
- Immigration remains one of Trump’s strongest political issues.
- Nearly half of Americans approve of Trump’s immigration policies.
- Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran and foreign policy.
- Younger Republicans show more skepticism about the Iran conflict.
- Trump continues dominating Republican primary politics despite declining approval.
- Independent voters remain largely critical of Trump’s presidency.
Deep Look
Republican Support for Trump’s Economy Slips
A new AP-NORC poll shows growing frustration among Republicans over President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, even as the president continues maintaining strong political support within the GOP.
According to the survey, roughly 6 in 10 Republicans approve of Trump’s economic leadership — a significant decline from the roughly 8 in 10 who approved in February before the conflict involving Iran escalated.
The findings suggest economic concerns are beginning to affect Trump politically as Americans grapple with higher gasoline prices, inflation pressures, and uncertainty tied to the ongoing war with Iran.
Still, the poll also demonstrated Trump’s continuing dominance inside the Republican Party, particularly following recent primary victories against prominent Republican critics.
Gas Prices and Iran Conflict Fuel Economic Anxiety
The war involving Iran has become a major factor shaping public frustration over economic conditions.
Rising fuel costs and travel expenses are increasingly affecting households across the country.
Ariel Gutierrez, a Republican voter from Wisconsin, described how higher gasoline prices are now affecting his family’s daily life.
“The whole Iran issue has just exacerbated it,” Gutierrez said.
“Maybe we were seeing it in groceries before, but now — with this push on gas and travel and all that — that is how people want to live the leisure part of their lives … and it is directly impacting us there now. And yes, that is, I believe from Trump’s policies, not from his predecessors.”
Economic concerns remain one of the biggest political vulnerabilities for Trump despite his continued support among Republican voters.
Trump’s National Approval Remains Weak
Outside the Republican base, Trump continues struggling with low approval ratings.
The poll found Trump’s overall approval rating stands at 37%, slightly improved from 33% in April but still deeply underwater nationally.
Most Democrats and roughly 7 in 10 independent voters disapprove of Trump’s performance as president.
Only about one-third of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, a figure that has declined since the beginning of his second term.
Trump’s economic credibility had previously been viewed as one of his strongest political advantages during his first presidency. However, his second term has faced growing skepticism amid persistent inflation concerns and higher consumer costs.
Some Republicans Accept Economic Pain as Temporary
Despite declining economic confidence, many Republican voters continue defending Trump and supporting his broader foreign policy goals.
Richard Baumgartner, a Republican voter from Las Vegas, argued that current economic difficulties are a temporary consequence of the Iran conflict.
“Unfortunately, because of the war, the economy is a little bit off kilter,” Baumgartner said.
“I think it’ll fall back into place after things resolve over there. Temporary price increases — it’s unfortunate, but it’s something that has to be confronted in a situation like this where you have a very serious problem.”
The comments reflected a broader willingness among many Republicans to tolerate short-term economic strain while supporting Trump’s military and geopolitical policies.
Immigration Remains a Major Trump Strength
While economic approval has weakened, immigration continues serving as one of Trump’s strongest political issues.
Nearly half of Americans now approve of Trump’s handling of immigration after earlier declines tied to aggressive enforcement operations during the early months of his second term.
Among Republicans, immigration support remains especially strong, with roughly 8 in 10 approving of Trump’s policies on the issue.
The administration appears to have adjusted its immigration strategy in recent months, shifting away from highly public enforcement tactics toward quieter operations.
Independent voter Brenda Theiss from Alabama credited Trump with taking stronger action on border security than previous presidents.
“I liked Obama; I voted for Obama — but Trump was the only one that did something,” Theiss said.
“He’s closing the border. He did it. Biden didn’t do it. For that, I give him one hundred.”
Americans Remain Skeptical of Trump’s Iran Strategy
Trump’s handling of Iran and foreign policy remains unpopular nationally.
The poll also found younger Republicans are more likely than older conservatives to oppose Trump’s handling of Iran.
Amanda Wylie, a Republican-leaning independent voter from Georgia, said she does not support Trump’s current Iran strategy.
“I feel like we’re wasting resources over there at this point and not for the benefit of the American people,” Wylie said.
“Especially if everyone is worried about gas prices and the ultimate goal of this is to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon. Yes, that’s important, but at what cost?”
The results suggest Trump’s foreign policy positions continue creating divisions not only among independents and Democrats but also within parts of the Republican coalition.
Poll Highlights Trump’s Political Balancing Act
The AP-NORC survey highlights the complicated political environment Trump faces heading deeper into his second term.
The president still commands overwhelming influence inside Republican primary politics and maintains strong loyalty among GOP voters.
At the same time, economic frustrations, rising fuel prices, and concerns about foreign conflicts appear to be weakening some of his strongest political advantages nationally.
The poll surveyed 1,117 adults between May 14 and May 18 using NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.