Trump Economic Approval Hits Second-Term Low as Iran Crisis Drives Gas Prices
CBS poll shows Trump's economic approval at lowest point of second term, with 75% saying incomes can't keep up with inflation amid Iran conflict fallout.
President Trump's approval rating on economic issues has dropped to the lowest point of his second term, with two-thirds of Americans saying his policies are making the economy worse in the short term, according to a CBS News poll released Friday.
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The survey shows 75% of Americans report their incomes aren't keeping up with inflation, while most describe the economy as "uncertain" — ratings that have fallen to levels not seen since 2023. Trump's overall approval has also declined, dragging down marks from his own party.
Iran Conflict Clouds Economic Picture
Americans cite confusion over the Iran situation as a major factor driving economic uncertainty. Most respondents say they lack clarity on day-to-day developments in the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflict has driven energy prices higher. Gas prices are increasingly weighing on household budgets, the poll found.
The majority of Americans don't believe the Iran conflict has helped U.S. economic interests, despite relatively higher perceptions of military success. Many say it's too soon to judge whether the military action advances broader U.S. strategic goals.
Republican Support Shows Cracks
Even within Trump's own party, support on economic issues is eroding. Republicans still give the president strong marks on immigration (89%) and overall performance (85%), but his inflation rating among GOP voters has dropped to 63% — especially since oil prices spiked following the Iran conflict.
The third of Republicans who now give Trump negative marks on inflation say they feel "frustrated" rather than "angry" about his administration's economic approach. Most Americans overall describe their feelings about Trump's economic policies as either "frustrated" or "angry."
Democrats don't escape criticism either. Neither party earns majority support for helping with the cost of living, though Americans give Democrats a relative edge on that issue. Growing numbers of Americans believe economic opportunities are worse for them than they were for their parents' generation.
The poll results suggest Trump faces mounting pressure to show economic progress as concerns about artificial intelligence taking jobs add to inflation worries. Watch for the administration to emphasize any positive economic indicators ahead of the next major policy announcements.
