Trump’s Approval Plummets After Iran Attack, Voters Condemn Military Move
The Impact of U.S. Military Action in Iran
The recent military actions taken by the United States in Iran have had significant consequences, including a rise in oil prices and potential risks to farmers and current food prices. These developments have sparked concerns among voters who are increasingly opposing military action in the region. A new poll indicates that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has suffered as a result of the heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Trump’s Approval Rating Declines
It has been several weeks since the initial strikes in Iran by the United States on February 28, 2026, giving voters time to process these events and the ongoing tension in the region. According to a new Emerson College poll conducted from March 16 through March 17, Trump’s approval rating stands at 42%, a one-point decrease from February. This is the lowest approval rating for Trump since December, when he had a record low of 41% in both December and November, marking the lowest marks in his second presidential term.
The 42% approval rating follows a rebound in January and February, where it reached 43%. However, Trump’s disapproval rating has increased to 51% in the latest Emerson College poll, a four-point drop from February. Last month’s 55% disapproval was the worst for Trump in his second term, and the latest disapproval rating has returned to levels seen in January.
Voter Priorities and Opinions on Military Action
The latest poll also highlights what key priorities should be for the president and the White House administration. The number one issue for voters is the economy, with 34% of respondents citing it as their top concern, up four percentage points from February. The next priorities are threats to democracy (14%) and immigration (13%).
The poll found that 47% of voters oppose U.S. military action in Iran, while 40% support it. Thirteen percent expressed uncertainty. Additionally, 53% of voters believe the Trump administration is not putting America first, while 42% say the country is being put first. The remainder remain unsure.
This represents a sharp shift from a year ago, when 48% of voters said the Trump administration was putting America first, while 41% said the country wasn’t being put first. The attacks on Iran have negatively impacted Trump’s approval and reflect a growing perception that the White House is no longer prioritizing America.
Political Implications and Market Trends
A generic poll for the 2026 midterms shows that 49% of voters favor a Democratic candidate, while 42% support a Republican candidate, with the rest undecided. The latest poll comes as the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which tracks the S&P 500, fell below $650 for the first time in months, with the market index breaking below its 200-day moving average.
Trump previously used record highs for the stock market as an indicator of economic health. With the stock market facing pressure due to the Iran conflict, the pressure on Trump could intensify in the coming months and future polls.
