President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped below 40% in two major polling averages, marking a low point in his second term as economic and foreign policy concerns weigh on public opinion.
Polling trackers from The New York Times and Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin both show Trump's average approval dipping under 40%, down from above 50% at the start of his second term, reported Forbes on Wednesday.
The president's rating remains slightly higher, at just over 41%, in the RealClearPolitics average.
The decline comes as gas prices have surged nearly 34% since late February, reaching about $3.98 per gallon nationally, amid a global oil crisis tied to the ongoing war with Iran.
Recent individual polls reflect similar trends.
A Reuters/Ipsos survey released March 24 found Trump’s approval at 36%, down 11 points from the beginning of his term.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted March 19-23 showed 38% approval and 56% disapproval, while an Associated Press-NORC poll found 38% approval and 60% disapproval.
Public sentiment on the Iran conflict appears to be a significant factor.
A majority of voters oppose U.S. military action, with 54% against and 39% in support, according to Quinnipiac. Another poll found 59% believe the war has gone too far.
Concerns have also emerged over the potential expansion of the conflict. Polling indicates most Americans oppose sending ground troops to Iran, even as many believe such a move is likely.
The issue has created divisions within Trump's political base.
While strong majorities of self-identified MAGA supporters back the military action, support is lower among other Republican-leaning voters, and some prominent conservative figures have broken with Trump over the conflict.
Trump's approval has declined steadily from an early-term high of about 52% to roughly 41% on average, placing him below every president dating back to Harry Truman, according to Gallup data cited in the report.
Economic concerns, particularly the cost of living, along with dissatisfaction over immigration policies and foreign policy decisions, continue to shape voters’ views.
Polling shows a majority of Americans want the administration to focus more on the economy than on other issues.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.