Trump Approval Stuck Near Record Low as Inflation Sours Views on Cost of Living

President Donald Trump vowed to bring down prices, but Americans now rate his handling of living costs worse than they rated former President Joe Biden’s at the end of his term. Surging oil prices and renewed inflation pressure tied to the Iran war have pushed Trump’s approval rating to one of the lowest readings of his presidency.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 4,531 U.S. adults found Trump’s job approval rating at 35%, unchanged from mid-May, Reuters reported on June 10.

That was slightly above April’s 34%, the low for his second term. Even so, it was near the worst level of his presidency and not far above the 33% low recorded in December 2017 during his first term.

Dissatisfaction was especially pronounced on living costs. Just 22% said they approved of Trump’s handling of household expenses, while 70% disapproved. That was worse than Biden’s late-term rating of 29% approval and 63% disapproval.

The Iran war, which broke out in February, appears to have driven the slide. Gasoline prices jumped as maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted. Prices have eased somewhat on expectations the war may end soon, but 59% of respondents said prices would rise further over the next year. Only 17% expected them to fall. On Iran’s military actions themselves, 53% said they were not worth it.

The poll also flashed a warning sign for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. Among registered voters, 41% said they would choose the Democratic candidate if a congressional election were held today, compared with 37% for Republicans. The Republican edge on economic management has also nearly disappeared. Some 36% said Democrats have the better economic plan, versus 37% for Republicans, within the margin of error.

Reuters said voters had trusted Republicans more on economic management through last year, but that advantage has now vanished.

Jang Ji-min, Hankyung.com guest reporter