War Effects: 62% of US Citizens Increasingly Dissatisfied with Trump's Performance
The effects of war have led to 62% of US citizens expressing growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s performance. Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - A majority of United States (US) citizens have expressed dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s performance, with the disapproval rating reaching a new record of 62%. This was revealed in the latest poll results released by The Washington Post in collaboration with ABC News and Ipsos.
The survey shows that approval for Trump stands at only 37%. This figure reflects increasing public dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the handling of the Iran war and the ongoing pressure from rising living costs.
Rejection of foreign policy is one of the main factors. As many as 66% of respondents disapprove of the way Trump is handling the conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, domestically, economic issues are the weakest point. As many as 76% of respondents are dissatisfied with living costs, 72% with inflation, and 65% with the overall economic situation.
This 62% disapproval rating matches the level recorded at the end of Trump’s first term, according to Gallup data. At that time, negative sentiment was triggered by the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest following the death of George Floyd.
These findings emerge ahead of the US midterm elections, a crucial period that often determines the strength of the incumbent party in parliament.
Nevertheless, the decline in support for Trump does not automatically benefit the opposition. Around 54% of respondents view the Democratic Party as “too liberal”. Scott Clement, poll director at The Washington Post, says this perception is one of the obstacles for Democrats in attracting new voters.
Several analysts also highlight the Democrats’ internal weaknesses, from divisions to a lack of strong political messaging. In his analysis in The Guardian, political commentator Osita Nwanevu argues that the party is too reliant on Trump’s unpopularity without offering a clear alternative.
On the other hand, Trump’s support base in the Republican Party remains solid, with around 85% of its voters still giving approval. However, among independents, the approval rating is only 25%.
Historically, Trump’s current disapproval rating is among the highest in modern polls. The figure is only below that of former President Richard Nixon, who reached 66% in 1974, and surpasses George W. Bush, who recorded 61% in 2009.