A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that President Donald Trump has a lower approval rating regarding his handling of the cost of living than former President Joe Biden did at the end of his term. The survey, conducted from June 3 to June 8 among 4,531 U.S. adults, found that 70% of respondents disapprove of Trump's performance on this issue, while only 22% approve. In comparison, Biden had a 63% disapproval and 29% approval rating when he left office.
The poll highlights ongoing economic challenges, particularly rising gas prices, which have increased since Trump's military actions in Iran began in February. The national average price for regular gas has surpassed $4.50 per gallon, with some states exceeding $5 per gallon. Additionally, inflation rose to 3.8% in April, the highest in nearly three years.
Looking ahead, 59% of respondents expect gas prices to rise further in the next year, while only 17% believe they will decrease. The poll also reveals that only 25% of respondents think Trump's military strikes on Iran were justified. Overall, Trump's job approval rating remains low, with 63% disapproving and 35% approving of his performance.
As the midterm elections approach, concerns among Republican strategists are growing regarding the impact of rising fuel prices on the party's prospects. The poll suggests a narrowing advantage for Republicans on economic issues, with 36% of respondents favoring Democrats' economic plans compared to 37% for Republicans. If elections were held today, registered voters would support Democrats over Republicans on a generic congressional ballot by 41% to 37%.
