US President Donald Trump’s public approval rating has dropped to 36 per cent, the lowest since the beginning of his second term in office, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The four-day survey, which ended on Monday, shows a discernible decline since 40 per cent was registered just a week before it, indicating a steady erosion of public support.
The decrease in approval comes during a time when the economy is coming under increasing pressure and growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s foreign policy, especially the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The public support for US military action would seem to be limited, with only 35 per cent of people saying they are supporting strikes on Iran and a substantial 61 per cent saying they are against them.
This seems to be an expanding divergence between government policy and public opinion on the conflict.
Economic issues are also a big reason for the shrinking approval ratings. Public sentiment on the cost of living has turned extremely sour, with just 25 per cent of respondents approving of how Donald Trump has handled the matter.
Rising gasoline prices have become a major source of frustration, following problems with the global oil flows, after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
These developments impacted the shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically key area, which increased fuel costs.
Approval of Trump’s overall management of the economy is only at 29 per cent, the lowest during both of his terms in office.
This figure is also less than any of the economic approval ratings secured by his predecessor, Joe Biden, revealing the extent of current public dissatisfaction.
The Reuters / Ipsos poll surveyed 1,272 adults throughout the United States and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
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