A comprehensive new poll has revealed that a significant majority of Americans are expressing serious doubts about President Donald Trump's mental sharpness and temperament, as his approval rating remains stuck at an all-time low. The survey, conducted by Reuters and Ipsos, underscores growing unease even within his own Republican Party regarding the 79-year-old leader's fitness for office.
Approval Rating Holds at Record Low
The six-day public opinion poll, which concluded on Monday, found that only 36% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance. This figure is unchanged from a month earlier and represents the lowest point of his current term. In stark contrast, Trump enjoyed a 47% approval rating shortly after being sworn into office on January 20, 2025.
Concerns Over Temperament and Mental Acuity
The poll indicates that many Americans, including some Republican members, harbour concerns about the president's temperament and mental sharpness. This follows a series of explosive outbursts and controversial statements from Trump in recent weeks.
Only 26% of respondents described Trump as "even-tempered." The partisan divide on this issue is pronounced: 53% of Republicans consider him even-tempered, compared to 46% who do not, while a mere 7% of Democrats share that view.
Profane Threats and International Tensions
Trump has exhibited notable agitation recently, posting a social media threat to "wipe out" Iran's civilization. He has also attacked Pope Leo as weak on crime, following the pontiff's criticism of the Iran war. In profane terms, Trump has threatened to destroy all of Iran's bridges and power plants.
Earlier this year, he alarmed allies by threatening military force against NATO ally Denmark over his demand for U.S. annexation of Greenland. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these matters.
Polling Details and Methodology
The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,557 U.S. adults nationwide online and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. It was conducted during a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S., which was due to expire on Tuesday.
Specific Findings on Mental Sharpness
Some 51% of Americans believe Trump's mental sharpness has worsened over the past year. This view is held by 14% of Republicans, 54% of independents, and 85% of Democrats.
The Iran War and Economic Impact
The president has been under sustained pressure since his administration and Israel launched a war against Iran in February, which has driven gasoline prices sharply higher. Only 36% of Americans approve of U.S. military strikes against Iran, a figure consistent with previous polling.
The conflict has triggered a surge in fuel costs that has adversely affected most Americans' personal finances. Trump's approval rating on handling the cost of living stands at just 26%, tied for his lowest reading yet. Similarly, only 26% believe the U.S. military action in Iran has been worth its costs.
When asked if U.S. strikes on Iran would make America safer, only 25% agreed, including 57% of Republicans and a mere 6% of Democrats.
Feud with Pope Leo Draws Attention
Trump's attacks on Pope Leo have garnered significant attention, partly because Americans hold a generally higher opinion of the pontiff than of the president. Some 60% of respondents have a favourable view of Pope Leo, compared to 36% for Trump. The pope is also viewed more favourably than prominent Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Support for NATO Remains Strong
The poll found that only 16% of Americans support a U.S. exit from the NATO alliance, a move Trump has repeatedly threatened. This indicates strong public backing for the international alliance despite the president's rhetoric.
Overall, the survey paints a picture of a presidency under intense scrutiny, with deep-seated concerns about leadership stability and decision-making at a time of international conflict and domestic economic strain.
