The sinking approval rating of President Donald Trump has reached a new low, with just 33% of Americans giving him a thumbs-up. This comes as no surprise, given the ongoing war with Iran, which has sparked widespread concern and economic strain. The conflict has led to a dramatic rise in fuel prices, with gasoline costs up nearly a third compared to a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association. This is a stark contrast to Trump's campaign promises, which included keeping inflation in check and avoiding prolonged wars. Initially, he claimed the war would last only a few weeks, but Iran's resilience has kept the Strait of Hormuz's oil and gas exports bottled up, despite the conflict cooling down. Trump's defense of the war at a recent rally, stating that paying a little more for gasoline is worth ensuring Iran doesn't develop a nuclear weapon, has not gone down well with the American public. A staggering 80% of Americans, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans, believe the US involvement in Iran will continue for an extended period. This is a significant shift from the 16% who predicted the conflict would end in a few weeks. The economic costs of the war are also a cause for concern, with only a third of self-identified Make America Great Again (MAGA) voters supporting the war's economic impact. This poll highlights a growing divide within Trump's base, as even his most loyal supporters are questioning the war's necessity and its impact on the economy. The war on Iran has become a defining issue of Trump's presidency, and his approval rating reflects the public's dissatisfaction with his handling of this crisis. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, Trump's ability to manage the situation and regain public trust remains a significant challenge. The question now is whether Trump can find a way to end the war without compromising his political agenda, or if this will be a defining failure of his presidency.
