President Trump’s Approval Rating Plummets Amid Iran Conflict and Rising Gas Prices

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to a record low in his second term. According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 33% of those surveyed approve of Trump’s current performance in the White House. This marks a decrease from 35% approval last week. The poll found 64% of respondents disapproving of his job performance.

Trump previously reached a 33% approval rate in December 2017 during his first term, as noted by Reuters/Ipsos. In a recent event, Trump made remarks at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City, N.Y. He defended the jump in gas prices as linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The Iran war began in February, aiming to dismantle the country’s nuclear weapons program. Reuters/Ipsos revealed that 80% of respondents anticipate the conflict lasting for an extended period. Iranian maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz have exacerbated the situation, impacting global oil prices.

The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, with around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it. Since the conflict began, average national gas prices have risen from just under $3 per gallon to over $4 per gallon, according to American Automobile Association (AAA) data.

At an Aug. 14 rally focused on low crime rates, Trump justified the gas price increase, stating, “Remember that when you have to pay a little bit more, $4, it’s OK,” and insisted he did “the right thing.” Trump’s administration continues facing scrutiny over economic issues, such as rising inflation, which has increased from 2.4% to 3.4% year-over-year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales praised Trump’s achievements in response to polling questions, citing significant tax cuts for the middle class, and efforts in energy sector reform as contributing factors to economic stability. She stated the White House is focused on resolving challenges posed by the previous administration.

Gas prices have begun to decline following a U.S.-Iran agreement, potentially easing concerns over global oil supplies. Analysts, however, caution that relief may be temporary due to refinery and supply constraints.

Democrats are leveraging the Iran conflict and affordability issues to gain momentum in their bid to reclaim the House and Senate come November. Meanwhile, the White House has not specified a target date for ending the conflict.