Trump's approval rating on Iran drops as most Americans say war not worth fighting, AP-NORC poll finds

An AP-NORC poll reveals that Donald Trump's approval rating for handling Iran has dropped to 28%, with 66% of Americans declaring the war not worth fighting. The conflict, which began February 28, 2026, has killed 18 U.S. service members and pushed domestic gas prices past $4 per gallon. While 70% of adults prioritize negotiating a ceasefire and keeping fuel prices low, deep divisions have emerged among Republicans, where MAGA supporters favor continued military action but non-MAGA voters seek a pause.

Trump Iran approval decline

• ▪Donald Trump's overall presidential approval rating stood at 33% in late July 2026.
• ▪Donald Trump's approval rating on handling Iran fell to 28% in July 2026, down from 34% in June 2026.

Public opposition to war

• ▪Only about 20% of United States adults want to continue military action in Iran.
• ▪About two-thirds of United States adults say the war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has not been worth fighting.
• ▪Since the war with Iran began, 18 United States service members have been killed.

Gas prices economic stress

• ▪About 40% of United States adults say the cost of gasoline is a major source of stress in their lives.
• ▪Domestic gasoline prices rose above an average of $4 per gallon after oil topped $100 a barrel in late July 2026.
• ▪About 72% of United States adults say it is extremely or very important to prevent domestic oil and gas prices from rising.

Ceasefire negotiation support

• ▪About 30% of United States adults say the United States should pause military action and seek a renewed ceasefire through negotiations.
• ▪About 70% of Americans say it is extremely or very important for the United States to reach a ceasefire agreement with Iran.

Republican voter divisions

• ▪About half of Republicans say the United States should continue military action against Iran, with MAGA Republicans much more supportive than non-MAGA Republicans.
• ▪Roughly 61% of Republicans approve of Donald Trump's handling of Iran, representing a slight decline from 71% in June 2026.
• ▪About 37% of Republicans say the war with Iran has not been worth fighting.

Nuclear weapon prevention priority

• ▪About two-thirds of United States adults overall say it is extremely or very important to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon.
• ▪About 80% of Republicans say keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is extremely or very important.

2 sources