Trump approval rating stuck at 33% in latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, stagnant at historic low

The new poll, conducted August 29–31, confirms that the president has failed to gain any ground after hitting a record low of 33 percent in a survey published one week earlier. That earlier reading had already represented a 14-point slide from the start of his second term, when approval stood at 47 percent, and a 4-point drop from about a month prior.

The stagnation comes as the administration continues to face headwinds from the unpopularity of the Iran war and persistent rising prices, factors that pollsters and analysts have linked to the erosion of support among independent and moderate voters. The 33 percent figure is now the benchmark for Trump's lowest approval rating across both his presidencies, with no sign of recovery in the latest data.

Neither the White House nor the Trump campaign has issued a public response to the new survey as of publication.

Why This Matters

A locked-in low approval rating signals structural weakness for the administration heading into the midterm cycle.
Crossing the 33% floor three times suggests the dip is not a fluctuation but a new baseline.
Persistent unpopularity on the Iran war and inflation could affect legislative agendas and intra-party dynamics.

Background

President Trump began his second term with a 47% approval rating in the Reuters/Ipsos poll, but has seen steady erosion over the past year. The Iran conflict, which began in late 2025, and sustained price increases have been the dominant political issues. The latest survey marks the first time his approval has remained at a record low across consecutive polls, indicating that the downward trend has plateaued rather than reversed.

Key Perspectives

White House: No official comment yet; may attempt to dismiss the poll as an outlier or focus on other metrics such as economic growth or foreign policy wins. Political analysts: The stagnation suggests that the president's core base remains loyal but that the administration has failed to persuade swing voters who were already uneasy about the Iran war and cost of living. Critics/Skeptics: Democrats and anti-war groups will likely use the sustained low numbers to argue that the administration is out of touch and to pressure vulnerable Republicans ahead of 2026 midterms.

What to Watch

Whether the next Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a further decline or any uptick, breaking the current pattern.
Any major policy shift or announcement (e.g., Iran ceasefire, economic relief measures) that could move approval numbers.
Reactions from Capitol Hill Republicans, especially those in competitive districts, who may distance themselves from the White House.

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