Republicans are showing decreased satisfaction with President Donald Trump’s economic management, although they continue to support him during ongoing tensions with Iran. A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that approximately 60% of Republicans approve of Trump’s economic handling, a drop from 80% in February before the conflict began.
The war with Iran has impacted gasoline prices across the nation. Despite economic pressures, Trump maintains strong support within the GOP, demonstrated by his preferred candidate overcoming Rep. Thomas Massie, a Trump opponent, in a recent primary election.
Ariel Gutierrez, a Republican from Wisconsin, expresses concern over rising fuel costs affecting daily life and leisure. His experience suggests that Trump’s policies, rather than predecessors’, contribute to these issues.
Outside the Republican base, Trump remains unpopular. Most Americans disapprove of his foreign policy approach and handling of the Iran situation. Trump’s approval rating is 37%, showing only slight upward movement from 33% in April. Around 70% of independents and nearly all Democrats disapprove of his presidency.
The wider economy poses challenges for Trump, with about one-third of U.S. adults approving his economic policies. This aligns with sentiments observed in late April, but it’s down from earlier figures. Economic approval among Republicans remains, but has notably decreased to 63% from 79% in February.
Richard Baumgartner from Las Vegas views increased costs as a necessary consequence of war, expressing support for Trump’s strategic moves.
Immigration emerges as a renewed strength for Trump, contributing to his potential reelection appeal. Trump’s stricter enforcement has gained favor among Republicans, though faced criticism earlier in the year following incidents resulting from aggressive tactics.
Brenda Theiss, an independent voter in Alabama, approves of Trump’s bold moves to curtail illegal immigration, crediting him for actions not taken by previous administration figures.
While Trump’s administration exhibits shifts toward less public approaches to immigration enforcement, it remains a strong area for Trump’s Republican support, with approval rates significantly higher than overall presidential approval.
Despite a proactive approach internationally, Trump’s handling of foreign policy and the Iran conflict is largely disapproved. This trend spans age groups within the Republican party, especially with younger members expressing disapproval.
Overall sentiment toward Trump’s foreign policy remains constant, despite assertive actions related to Venezuela and Cuba. Amanda Wylie from Georgia feels the U.S. involvement with Iran drains resources without clear benefit.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,117 adults between May 14-18, utilizing NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel to represent the U.S. population, with a sampling error margin of approximately 3.8 points.