Republicans Show Growing Dissatisfaction with Trump’s Economic Management Amid War with Iran

A new poll by AP-NORC uncovers that Republican satisfaction with President Donald Trump’s economic management has declined, yet his party support remains strong amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Currently, about 60% of Republicans approve of Trump’s economic handling, down from 80% in February before the conflict with Iran began.

The war has led to increased gas prices, challenging the U.S. and Iran’s path to a long-term ceasefire. Despite economic concerns, Trump’s grip on the GOP shows resilience, evident when his chosen candidate defeated Trump critic Rep. Thomas Massie in a recent primary election.

Ariel Gutierrez, a Republican from Wisconsin, described the personal financial impacts, noting higher gas costs obliging him to assist his teenage children with fuel expenses. This reflects broader economic frustrations tied to the Iran conflict, which Gutierrez attributes to Trump’s policies rather than past administrations.

Trump’s Support Among General Public

Trump faces low popularity outside his conservative base. His overall approval rating stands at 37%, a slight rise from 33% in April. Dissatisfaction is apparent among Democrats and independents, with only a third of U.S. adults endorsing Trump’s economic policies, a drop from the 40% approval at the onset of his second term. Skepticism persists over Trump’s economic policy handling, particularly among Republicans, where support has fallen from 79% in February to 63% now.

Richard Baumgartner, a Republican veteran from Las Vegas, perceives price hikes as an inevitable result of the war. Unfortunately, because of the war, the economy is a little bit off kilter. I think it’ll fall back into place after things resolve over there.

Immigration Policy Gains Backing

Trump’s immigration policies have gained traction recently, becoming a stronger area of support. While approval for his immigration handling dropped to 38% earlier this year, it has now risen to 45%.

Brenda Theiss, an independent from Alabama, praised Trump for his proactive immigration measures, contrasting them with past presidents’ approaches. He’s closing the border. He did it. Biden didn’t do it. For that, I give him one hundred. Immigration remains popular among Republicans, with 80% approving of Trump’s strategies, surpassing his general presidential approval.

Limited Approval on Iran and Foreign Policy

Trump’s actions regarding Iran remain unpopular, with only a third of Americans approving of his strategies. Within the Republican base, support is higher but younger Republicans often disapprove.

Amanda Wylie from Georgia, a young Republican-leaning independent, voiced concerns about resource allocation. I feel like we’re wasting resources over there at this point and not for the benefit of the American people, expressing anxiety over the impact of the conflict on domestic issues like gas prices.

The AP-NORC poll conducted from May 14-18 involved 1,117 adults through the AmeriSpeak Panel, deemed representative of the U.S. population, with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points.