A new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll reveals that President Donald Trump is facing severe disapproval from the American public on several key issues, particularly the Iran war and rising prices. The survey, released on Sunday, shows that 66 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, with only 33 percent approving. However, the most striking figures concern the economy, where 76 percent disapprove of his handling of rising prices, compared to just 23 percent who approve. Additionally, 72 percent disapprove of his management of inflation, 65 percent disapprove of his overall economic stewardship, and 61 percent disapprove of his tax plan.
Trump’s Response to Economic Concerns
Trump has consistently attributed the economic troubles, especially soaring gas prices, to the Iran war, but has downplayed the severity of the impact. At a weekend event in Florida, he remarked, “But I did something that was, I don't know, foolish, brave, but it was smart. I would do it again, but I thought the numbers would be much worse. I thought the stock market would go down much more. I thought the oil prices would go up much more. I said, 'But we have no choice whether it does or doesn’t.'”
Gas prices currently average $4.44 per gallon, according to AAA, a rise of nearly $1.50 from the same period last year. This increase directly affects consumers, as higher fuel costs reduce disposable income for other expenditures. Trump has expressed confidence that prices will drop once the war concludes, stating, “The gas will go down as soon as the war is over. It will drop like a rock. There’s so much of it. It’s all over the place, sitting all over the oceans of the world, and it’ll go down.”
Partisan Divide and Mental Fitness Concerns
The poll highlights a stark partisan divide, with 85 percent of Republicans still approving of Trump’s overall job performance. However, approval among independents has fallen from nearly 40 percent in April 2025 to just 25 percent now. Concerns about Trump’s mental fitness are growing, with almost six in ten Americans saying he lacks the mental sharpness to serve as president, and 55 percent doubting his physical fitness. These concerns were amplified after Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin called for a comprehensive cognitive assessment following Trump’s threat to “destroy the Iranian civilization.” The White House defended Trump, with spokesman Davis Ingle dismissing Raskin as “a stupid person’s idea of a smart person” and asserting that Trump has “unmatched energy.”
Border and Immigration Ratings
Trump received his highest marks on the U.S.-Mexico border, with 45 percent approving and 54 percent disapproving. However, his overall immigration approval was lower, at 40 percent approving and 59 percent disapproving.
Implications for Midterm Elections
The polling results bode poorly for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections, where they aim to retain slim majorities in both chambers of Congress. Historically, midterm elections tend to favor the party not holding the White House. The poll indicates that if the election were held today, 49 percent of voters would prefer a generic Democratic candidate for the House, compared to 44 percent for a Republican—a five-point gap that has widened from two points in February.
