President Donald Trump’s net approval rating has dropped to its lowest level on record in a long-running polling tracker, as public concern grows over rising energy costs linked to the conflict with Iran.
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Analysis by The Economist, which tracks presidential job approval using YouGov survey data dating back to 2009, found Trump’s net approval rating had fallen to minus 25 percentage points. According to the tracker, that makes him the most unpopular president recorded in the series.
The decline comes as Americans face higher fuel prices following disruptions tied to the Iran conflict. The Trump administration remains engaged in negotiations with Tehran over a potential nuclear agreement and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Among the issues measured in the polling analysis, Trump received his weakest ratings on inflation and the cost of living. His net approval on prices and inflation stood at minus 43 percentage points.
Economy and Energy Concerns
While the president scored better on issues such as employment, the broader economy, foreign policy, immigration and crime, rising household costs continue to weigh on public sentiment.
According to AAA, the average price of gasoline in the United States exceeded $4 per gallon on Thursday, compared with roughly $3 per gallon a year earlier.
White House officials have argued that higher energy prices are a temporary consequence of efforts aimed at achieving longer-term stability in the Middle East.
Trump has also downplayed concerns about the economic impact on Americans. Speaking to reporters in May, he said his focus during negotiations with Iran was preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Congressional Pushback
The economic effects of the conflict have also prompted criticism from some members of Trump’s own party.
On Wednesday, four Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in supporting a war powers resolution designed to limit the administration’s military actions against Iran.
Trump dismissed the measure in a post on Truth Social, describing the House vote as “meaningless”. He criticised the Republican lawmakers who supported the resolution and argued that Congress was attempting to restrict his authority while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict were still underway.
The vote highlighted growing divisions in Washington over the administration’s handling of the Iran crisis, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 June 2026
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