Republican voters are expressing increased dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s economic stewardship, yet their support for him largely endures amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new AP-NORC poll.
The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that approximately 60% of Republicans now approve of Trump’s handling of the economy.
This marks a notable decline from roughly 80% in February, prior to the escalation of the war. The economic unease coincides with rising gasoline prices fueled by the Iran conflict, even as the US and Iran navigate towards a potential permanent ceasefire.
Trump’s influence within the Republican Party remains robust, underscored by his endorsed candidate’s victory over critic Rep. Thomas Massie in a primary election challenge on Tuesday.
These findings highlight Trump’s continued strength among Republicans, even as economic frustrations mount.
Ariel Gutierrez, a 55-year-old Republican from Wisconsin, noted the direct impact of the conflict on household budgets. He typically requires his teenage children to pay for their own gas, but with soaring costs, he is now assisting his 15-year-old, who is learning to drive.
“The whole Iran issue has just exacerbated it,” Gutierrez stated.
“Maybe we were seeing it in groceries before, but now — with this push on gas and travel and all that — that is how people want to live the leisure part of their lives … and it is directly impacting us there now. And yes, that is, I believe from Trump’s policies, not from his predecessors.”
Beyond his base, Trump continues to face widespread disapproval. Most Americans remain critical of his approach to both Iran and foreign policy.
His overall approval rating in the new poll stands at 37%, a slight increase from 33% in April. Nearly all Democrats disapprove of his performance, as do approximately 70% of independents.
About one-third of US adults approve of Trump’s economic management, consistent with an AP-NORC poll conducted in late April, but a slight decrease from the 40% approval at the start of his second term.
The economy was a key strength for Trump during his first term, but he has faced skepticism about his economic policies since returning to the White House last year, despite repeated promises to lower prices.
His second-term economic approval has particularly fallen among Republicans, with 63% still approving, down from 79% in February, weeks before the war with Iran began.
Richard Baumgartner, a 77-year-old Republican from Las Vegas, views higher costs as an unavoidable consequence of the war, which he supports.
“Unfortunately, because of the war, the economy is a little bit off kilter,” Baumgartner said.
“I think it’ll fall back into place after things resolve over there. Temporary price increases — it’s unfortunate, but it’s something that has to be confronted in a situation like this where you have a very serious problem.”
While economic pledges were central to Trump’s reelection, so too were his goals for stricter immigration enforcement, an issue that appears to be re-emerging as an asset.
Immigration initially emerged as a strength early in his second term, with about half of US adults approving of his approach.
However, approval dipped to 38% in January and February following months of aggressive enforcement that included the shooting deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis.
Now, just under half of US adults, 45%, approve of his handling of the issue.
Brenda Theiss, a 73-year-old independent from Cullman, Alabama, expressed admiration for Trump’s willingness to challenge the status quo on immigration, in contrast to Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
“I liked Obama; I voted for Obama — but Trump was the only one that did something. All of the other presidents sat back and went, ‘Well there’s nothing we can do,’” she remarked.
“He’s closing the border. He did it. Biden didn’t do it. For that, I give him one hundred.” Over recent months, the Trump administration has seemingly recalibrated its immigration strategy, shifting from aggressive, public-facing tactics to a more discreet enforcement approach.
Immigration remains one of Trump’s strongest issues among Republicans, with approximately 80% approving of his handling, roughly 10 points higher than the share who approve of his overall performance.
Trump’s management of the war with Iran remains broadly unpopular. Only about one-third of US adults approve of his handling of Iran.
