Most Americans expect gasoline prices to rise over the next year, and many are unhappy with President Donald Trump's handling of the cost of living, according
to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll that shows his approval rating hovering near the lowest levels of his political career. The poll found that 59% of respondents believe gas prices will get worse in the coming year, while only 17% expect them to improve. The findings come as the United States remains involved in a conflict with Iran that has disrupted shipping through a key strait responsible for carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil trade. Concerns about household expenses appear to be weighing heavily on public opinion. Just 22% of Americans approve of Trump's management of the cost of living, while 70% disapprove. Those figures are lower than the ratings former President Joe Biden received on the issue at the end of his presidency, when 29% approved and 63% disapproved.
Iran Conflict Adds To Political Challenges
Against that backdrop, Trump's overall approval rating stands at 35%, unchanged from a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in mid-May. The figure remains only slightly above the 34% recorded in April, the lowest rating of his current term, and close to the 33% low point of his first presidency in December 2017.
The administration continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the Iran conflict. Trump ordered military strikes on Iran on February 28 alongside Israel, prompting Iranian counterattacks that disrupted a major global oil shipping route. While the pace of attacks has slowed and tensions have eased somewhat since April, negotiations have yet to produce a lasting peace agreement.
Public support for the military action remains limited. The poll found that 36% of Americans approve of the US strikes on Iran, while only 25% believe the benefits of the operation have outweighed the costs.
The survey also suggests a challenging political environment ahead of November's congressional midterm elections. Registered voters said they would back Democrats over Republicans by 41% to 37% if elections were held today. On the economy, however, voters remain divided, with 37% saying Republicans have the better plan compared with 36% who favor Democrats.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,531 US adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of two percentage points.
