Public Dissatisfaction Grows as Trump Faces Weak Poll Numbers

Poll shows declining Trump approval as most Americans say the country is on the wrong track amid economic strain, high energy costs, and Iran tensions

Two-Thirds of Americans See Nation on Wrong Path as Trump's Approval Dips Amid Economic Strain and Iran Conflict
As the United States navigates the lingering effects of military engagement with Iran and an associated rise in energy costs, a new survey reveals broad dissatisfaction with the direction of the country and with President Donald Trump's handling of key challenges. Conducted April 24-28, 2026, among 2,560 U.S. adults by Ipsos for ABC News and The Washington Post using the probability-based KnowledgePanel, the poll found that 37 percent of Americans approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president, while 62 percent disapprove. This marks a slight decline from 39 percent approval in February and represents the lowest approval rating of his current term, with disapproval reaching a record high across both of his presidencies.
The margin of sampling error for the full sample is plus or minus 2 percentage points. Among registered voters, the margin is plus or minus 2.2 points. These figures come at a moment when external pressures, including an oil crisis triggered by the Iran conflict and gas prices at a four-year high, have compounded domestic concerns. Two-thirds of Americans, or about 67 percent, say the country is headed in the wrong direction, a sentiment that spans most partisan lines but is held particularly strongly by Democrats and independents.
Trump's approval is supported primarily by his core base, with 85 percent of Republicans expressing approval, though the intensity has softened. The share of Republicans who strongly approve has fallen to 45 percent from higher levels earlier in the term. Among those identifying with the MAGA movement, who constitute 66 percent of Republicans in this survey, approval stands at 95 percent, including 61 percent strong approval. Non-MAGA Republicans show markedly lower enthusiasm, with overall approval at 64 percent and strong approval at just 13 percent. Independents, by contrast, give Trump only 25 percent approval, a low point for his time in office.
On specific issues, majorities disapprove of Trump's performance across the board. Seventy-six percent disapprove of his handling of the cost of living, with only 23 percent approving. On inflation, 72 percent disapprove and 27 percent approve, a worsening from February. The economy itself draws 65 percent disapproval and 34 percent approval, a record low for this term and comparable to some of the weakest ratings for previous administrations on the same metric. Immigration overall sees 59 percent disapproval, while the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border fares slightly better at 54 percent disapproval and 45 percent approval.
The Iran situation weighs heavily in these assessments. Sixty-six percent disapprove of Trump's handling of relations with Iran, and a similar share, 65 percent, disapprove of his approach to U.S. allies. Sixty-one percent of Americans say it was a mistake for the United States to use military force against Iran, a view that aligns with historical public skepticism toward prolonged or costly interventions. On next steps, Americans are nearly evenly divided: 48 percent favor making a peace deal with Iran even if it means a worse outcome for the U.S., while 46 percent support pushing for a better deal, potentially through resumed military action. Sixty-five percent express little confidence that any agreement would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
These foreign policy views intersect with economic anxieties. The poll highlights perceptions that U.S. actions in Iran have increased risks, including to the domestic economy, with 60 percent saying the risk of recession has risen and 61 percent pointing to heightened terrorism threats against Americans. Gas prices have emerged as a tangible pressure point, with half of respondents expecting them to worsen over the next year. Behavioral changes are already evident: 44 percent have cut back on driving, 42 percent have reduced household expenses, and 34 percent have altered travel plans because of high fuel costs.
Trust in the two major parties to handle these challenges remains fragmented. On the economy, 33 percent trust Democrats more, 34 percent trust Republicans more, and 27 percent trust neither. Similar divisions appear on inflation, taxes, and the Iran situation. Democrats hold clearer advantages on health care, where they lead by 17 points, and on education and schools, by 8 points. They also edge out Republicans on the cost of living by 5 points. Republicans maintain leads on immigration, by 5 points, and on crime, by 14 points, though the immigration edge has narrowed from previous years. On reducing government corruption, 44 percent trust neither party. Artificial intelligence draws the most skepticism, with 51 percent trusting neither side.
Looking ahead to the November midterm elections for Congress, registered voters show Democrats leading 49 percent to 44 percent if the House elections were held today, a modest increase from the 2-point Democratic edge in February. This gap is driven in part by stronger Democratic motivation. Seventy percent of registered voters say they are absolutely certain to vote, but Democrats express higher enthusiasm, with 61 percent describing their vote as much more important than in past midterms compared to 35 percent of Republicans. Independents favor Democratic candidates by a 20-point margin, 52 percent to 32 percent.
The poll also captures views on several administration initiatives. A proposed increase in defense spending from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion draws opposition from 65 percent of Americans. Seventy-eight percent oppose cuts to federal medical research funding. Two-thirds oppose ending birthright citizenship. On domestic projects, more than half oppose the Trump administration's plan to construct a large ballroom at the White House by repurposing the East Wing, funded through private donations.
Broader personal assessments of the president reveal skepticism. Roughly seven in ten Americans say Trump is not honest and trustworthy. Two-thirds say he does not carefully consider important decisions. About six in ten question his mental sharpness for the presidency, and 55 percent say he is not in good enough physical health to serve effectively. Fifty-four percent say he is not a strong leader. Nearly half, 46 percent, describe him as too conservative.
Perceptions of corruption in Washington have also shifted. Forty-nine percent say the amount of corruption has increased since Trump took office, while 30 percent say it has stayed the same and about 20 percent say it has decreased. This stands in contrast to campaign promises to address government waste and influence.
The survey data reflect a political landscape in which economic pressures and foreign policy outcomes have eroded support for the incumbent administration, yet partisan loyalty remains a stabilizing force for Republicans. Democratic advantages in motivation and among independents suggest a challenging environment for the president's party six months before voters head to the polls. At the same time, the even split on several high-stakes issues, including trust on the economy and preferences regarding Iran policy, indicates that neither side commands overwhelming public confidence.
Historical context from the poll's trend lines underscores the shift. Trump's current approval on the economy, at 34 percent, trails his ratings from earlier in the term and echoes difficult periods for prior presidents. His immigration numbers, while relatively stronger at the border, have slipped slightly since February. On Iran, the public's retrospective judgment of military force as a mistake mirrors sentiments expressed in earlier conflicts, such as Iraq, where majorities eventually came to similar conclusions.
Among registered voters, 70 percent say they are absolutely certain to vote in the midterms, up slightly from February for Republicans but stable for Democrats. This turnout potential, combined with Democrats' edge in perceived importance of the election, could amplify the generic ballot lead if sustained. Yet past cycles have shown that early leads can narrow as campaigns intensify and economic conditions evolve.
The poll also touches on other domestic priorities. On taxes, 38 percent approve of Trump's handling and 61 percent disapprove. On relations with allies, disapproval stands at 65 percent. These figures contribute to an overall picture of widespread underwater ratings, with no major issue area showing majority approval.
Public views on the parties' ideological positioning add nuance. Fifty-three percent say the Democratic Party is too liberal, while 49 percent say the Republican Party is too conservative. Among independents, these critiques are closely balanced at around 50-53 percent. Such perceptions may limit the ability of either side to expand its coalition dramatically in the coming months.
In the spring of 2026, elevated energy costs, uncertainty over the Iran engagement, and persistent concerns about living expenses are shaping a skeptical national mood. The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll illustrates how these pressures have translated into lower presidential approval, heightened perceptions that the country is on the wrong track, and a modest but meaningful Democratic advantage heading into the midterm season. Whether these dynamics persist will depend on developments in the economy, diplomacy with Iran, and the unfolding political debate in the months ahead. With trust in both parties limited on several fronts, the electorate’s dissatisfaction may leave room for shifts as new information and events emerge.
In summary, the data portray a public that is largely unhappy with the status quo, critical of executive performance on pocketbook and international issues alike, and divided on the best path forward. The findings offer a snapshot of voter sentiment that both parties will scrutinize closely as they prepare for the November contests. 

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