A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday shows President Donald Trump’s approval rating has remained at 33%, the lowest level of his political career. The survey, which concluded on August 31, indicates that broad dissatisfaction with the war in Iran and the president's economic stewardship are primary factors in the administration's standing with the public.
The findings come as the Republican Party prepares to defend narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress during the November 3 midterm elections. Since mid-August, Trump's popularity has held at a level significantly lower than the 47% approval rating recorded at the start of his current term. The current 33% mark is also lower than the 35% approval floor reached by his predecessor, Joe Biden, in October 2024.
According to the data, 71% of Americans disapprove of the president's handling of the cost of living, a sentiment shared by four in 10 self-identified Republicans. Discontent is partially linked to rising gasoline prices following Trump's order to start bombing Iran in February. Currently, 36% of respondents approve of the war, which has recently seen exchanges of missile strikes and the obstruction of a major global oil transit point by Iran.
Among independent voters, 36% stated they would vote for Democratic candidates if the election were held today, while 22% favored Republicans. For the first time in about a decade, the survey found that registered voters believe the Democratic Party has better ideas for the economy than the Republican Party. This shift follows 71% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the cost of living and rising energy prices tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The impact of these trends will be tested on November 3, when voters determine the makeup of the next Congress. The poll carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted over four days ending August 31, 2026.