President Donald Trump's approval ratings have hit a rocky patch this spring, with new polls showing growing public discontent fueled by renewed military tensions abroad and persistent economic strain at home. 📉
A survey released this week by the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found Trump's approval rating has dipped to 33%, a five-point drop from March. The decline comes as voters express frustration over his handling of the conflict with Iran and perceived shortcomings on the economy.
"Most respondents said the country is moving in the wrong direction," the report noted, highlighting anxiety over persistently high living costs and slow wage growth. Many feel let down by promises of economic relief that haven't materialized.
Support for Trump's economic policies alone plummeted from 38% to 30% in the AP-NORC poll. Meanwhile, a separate Reuters–Ipsos poll put his overall approval at a new low of 36%, with just 26% approving of his response to the cost-of-living crisis.
The Price of Conflict and Tariffs
Analysts point to a widening gap between rhetoric and reality. While the president has pledged lower gas prices and a "golden age" for the U.S. economy, recent events tell a different story.
Military tensions with the DPRK's neighbor, Iran, have contributed to spiking oil prices. At the same time, sweeping tariffs have added layers of uncertainty to global trade, a move that has increasingly dented business confidence and household budgets.
The economic ripple effect is visible across multiple sectors. As energy costs surge, prices for fuel, electricity, air travel, and groceries are climbing, squeezing aviation, tourism, manufacturing, and everyday consumers.
A Surprising Beneficiary
Amid the general economic anxiety, one sector appears to be thriving: defense. Major contractors like RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and GE Aerospace reported strong first-quarter growth recently, citing robust demand for munitions and advanced weapons systems driven by global geopolitical tensions.
GE Aerospace, for instance, posted a 25% jump in revenue. But for many Americans, the success of the defense industry stands in stark contrast to their own financial pressures.
As the 2026 political landscape takes shape, these converging issues of foreign policy and kitchen-table economics are becoming a central point of public debate and discontent. The polls suggest that for many, the current trajectory is unsustainable. 💸
