President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 42 percent, the lowest of his presidency, according to a new survey by JL Partners. The poll, conducted online from March 18 to March 20, 2026, surveyed 1,037 registered voters and found that rising inflation, gas prices, and opposition to the ongoing Iran war are driving disapproval.
The approval rating dropped from 44 percent in early March and 48 percent in January. Twenty-eight percent of respondents now disapprove of Trump’s handling of Middle Eastern affairs—up from 20 percent a month ago. Additionally, 44 percent blamed Trump for rising inflation, an increase from 38 percent at the start of March.
Gas prices have risen to $3.90 per gallon nationwide, compared to $2.90 before U.S. military strikes against Iran began on February 28. Since then, thirteen American troops have been killed and over 200 injured.
Support for the Iran war has declined sharply, with voter backing dropping from 40 percent to 33 percent while opposition rose to 49 percent. Among Trump voters, support for military action fell from 75 percent to 61 percent, with opposition increasing to 22 percent.
Economic sentiment worsened further in the poll: 54 percent of respondents say the economy is deteriorating—up from 44 percent last month. Only 16 percent believe the economy is improving, a sharp decline from 30 percent in February. The survey also revealed that just 19 percent would tolerate a $1 increase in gas prices to secure military victory, and only seven percent would accept up to 10,000 American fatalities in the conflict.
Vice President J.D. Vance maintains an approval rating of 47 percent, five points higher than Trump’s. Independents, critical for Republican success in the 2026 midterm elections, oppose the Iran war by a two-to-one margin (50 percent against and 24 percent in favor). Democrats are overwhelmingly opposed to the strike on Iran, with 76 percent disapproving of the decision.
