More than half of American voters disapprove of Donald Trump’s handling of inflation and the economy, according to a new poll that highlights growing concerns over tariffs, rising fuel prices and the ongoing conflict involving Iran ahead of the US midterm elections.
The nationwide survey, conducted by research firm Focaldata for the Financial Times, found that inflation and the rising cost of living remain the biggest concerns for voters before November’s congressional elections.
According to the poll, nearly 58% of registered voters either “strongly” or “somewhat” disapproved of Trump’s management of inflation and living costs.
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In addition, more than half of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of jobs and the broader economy.
Around 55% of voters said Trump’s tariffs negatively affected the US economy. However, only about one-quarter believed his trade policies improved economic conditions.
The findings arrive at a politically sensitive moment for the White House, with six months remaining before control of both chambers of Congress is contested.
Trump returned to office in 2025 after winning the presidential election on promises to lower inflation, revive domestic manufacturing and prioritise American economic interests.
Iran war and fuel prices create pressure
The poll also reflected growing voter unease over the conflict involving Iran and its economic consequences.
According to the survey, nearly 54% of voters disapproved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, while fewer than one-third approved.
Even among Republican voters, roughly one in five respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his management of the conflict.
The war escalated after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran in late February. As a result, tensions disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and tightened global oil supplies.
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Although a fragile ceasefire remains in place, the conflict has continued to push fuel and consumer prices higher across the United States.
Trump recently claimed petrol prices were “way down.” However, average gasoline prices reportedly climbed to about $4.60 per gallon last week. That figure stands nearly 50% higher than before the conflict began.
Meanwhile, the administration has attempted to negotiate an agreement with Tehran to avoid further escalation and reduce inflationary pressure before the elections.
Democrats gain advantage before midterms
Overall, more than 54% of voters said they disapproved of Trump’s performance as president. By comparison, just over 39% approved of his leadership.
Independent voters appeared especially critical. More than 58% of independents held an unfavourable opinion of Trump, according to the poll.
The survey also showed Democrats holding an eight-point advantage over Republicans among registered voters heading into the midterms.
Currently, Republicans control both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Nevertheless, Democrats hope to regain control of Congress in November.
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Kush Desai defended the administration’s economic policies, saying Trump’s tax cuts, deregulation agenda and energy measures would keep the economy on a “solid economic trajectory.”
He added that Americans would eventually see lower inflation and falling fuel prices once disruptions linked to the Iran conflict eased.
The online poll was conducted between May 1 and May 5 among 3,167 registered voters. It carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
