US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since his return to the White House, as surging fuel prices and concerns over the Iran war weigh on public sentiment, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

The four-day poll, completed on Monday, showed 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, down from 40% in a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted last week.

Americans’ views of Trump have deteriorated notably on economic management and the cost of living, as gasoline prices have risen sharply since the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28. Just 25% of respondents approved of his handling of the cost of living, a key issue during his 2024 presidential campaign.

Read: US allies in Middle East edging toward joining war against Iran: report

Only 29% approved of Trump’s handling of the economy overall — the lowest rating across both of his presidencies and below any economic approval rating of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Analysts said the poll reflects a president facing growing public opposition.

“It’s important that people know that the president feels their pain and that help is on the way,” said Amanda Makki, a Republican political strategist and lawyer.

War concerns weigh

Trump’s standing within the Republican Party remains largely stable, with only about one in five Republicans disapproving of his overall performance — little changed from about one in seven last week. However, the share of Republicans dissatisfied with his handling of the cost of living rose to 34% from 27%.

Trump’s overall approval rating stood at 47% at the start of his presidency and had largely hovered around 40% since last summer. It remains above the 33% low recorded during his first term and slightly higher than Biden’s low of 35%.

The war in Iran appears to be shifting public opinion for a president who took office pledging to avoid “stupid wars”. The poll found 35% of Americans approve of US strikes on Iran, down from 37% last week, while 61% disapprove, compared to 59% previously.

Earlier surveys conducted immediately after the first US and Israeli strikes showed more uncertainty among respondents. A February 28–March 1 Reuters/Ipsos poll found 27% approved of the strikes, 43% disapproved and 29% were unsure.

The latest poll did not offer an “unsure” option, though 5% declined to answer the question.

More troops to region

About 46% of respondents said the war in Iran would make the United States less safe in the long run, while only 26% believed it would make the country safer. The remainder said it would have little effect.

While Trump has suggested the conflict could soon wind down, Iran has disputed claims that negotiations are underway. Reuters reported that Washington is expected to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East.

Read More: Pakistan leans on US and Iran ties to emerge as potential peacebroker

The average price of gasoline in the US has surged by about $1 per gallon since the war began, as the conflict has disrupted oil shipments from the Middle East. Analysts warn that sustained high fuel prices could further strain the broader economy.

According to the poll, 63% of Americans view the US economy as “somewhat weak” or “very weak”, including 40% of Republicans, 66% of independents and 84% of Democrats.

“This provides a huge opportunity for Democrats to make major strides in the midterms by focusing on issues that are traditionally more Republican issues, like national security, the economy and immigration,” said Doug Farrar, a Democratic strategist.

However, Trump’s declining approval has not translated into a significant boost for Democrats. Some 38% of registered voters said Republicans were better stewards of the economy, compared to 34% who favoured Democrats.

Republicans were also preferred on immigration and crime, while Democrats held an edge on healthcare and women’s rights. The online nationwide poll surveyed 1,272 US adults and had a margin of error of three percentage points.