President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating has seen a slight decline, according to the latest survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll, conducted between July 23 and July 27, 2026, places the president’s approval at 33%. This figure marks a modest dip and places his current standing slightly below where he was at this same point during his first term in office. The findings reflect a broader trend of public scrutiny as the administration navigates ongoing foreign policy challenges and domestic economic concerns.
A primary driver of the shifting public sentiment appears to be the ongoing conflict in Iran, which began on February 28. Approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults now state that the war has not been worth fighting. This skepticism is widespread, encompassing the vast majority of Democrats and independents, as well as roughly 37% of Republicans. Consequently, the president’s approval rating specifically regarding his handling of the Iran conflict has fallen to 28%, down from 34% the previous month.
The data also reveals a softening of support within the president’s own party. While Republican backing remains significantly higher than that of the general public, the percentage of Republicans who approve of his handling of the Iran conflict dropped from 71% in June to 61% in the latest survey. Although the margin of sampling error for this subgroup is 6 points, the downward trend is considered noteworthy by analysts given the president's generally stable support among his base on other issues.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, these polling results present a potential challenge for congressional Republicans. Many have aligned themselves with the administration’s military strategy, and the growing public dissatisfaction with the prolonged nature of the conflict could influence voter sentiment in November. The administration has faced additional pressure as the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 18 U.S. service members, a figure the White House has sought to revise amid public and political scrutiny.