Key Takeaways
- Only 37% of Americans approve of President Trump’s overall job performance, while 59% disapprove.
- A majority (60%) disapprove of his handling of the Iran conflict, up from 54% in March.
- 62% believe the U.S. global standing has weakened due to Trump’s policies.
- Gas prices hit $4.53 per gallon, with 63% of respondents blaming the president for the increase.
- The White House projects sharp gas price declines once the Iran conflict ends, citing “energy dominance.”
- Survey methodology involved 1,322 adults, margin of error ±3.1 points, conducted April 27‑30, 2026.
Overview of Recent Poll Results
A newly released Marist poll, conducted in partnership with NPR and PBS from April 27 to April 30, surveyed 1,322 adults and found that just 37% approve of President Donald Trump’s overall performance, while 59% disapprove and 4% remain unsure. The survey’s margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points. These figures reflect a continued decline in public support for the administration, marking one of the lowest approval ratings recorded for the president during his term.
Assessment of Iran War Handling The same poll reveals that 60% of Americans now view Trump’s management of the Iran conflict unfavorably, a rise from 54% in March. Only 33% approve of his approach, and 7% are uncertain. A striking 37% of respondents say the president’s handling of the war “has done more harm than good,” underscoring growing war fatigue among the electorate.
Public Perception of U.S. Global Role
When asked about America’s position on the world stage, 62% of participants believe the United States’ influence has been weakened by Trump’s decisions, up from 57% in January. Conversely, only 38% think the nation’s global role has been strengthened. This perception aligns with the broader anti‑war sentiment and contributes to the overall dip in approval for the administration’s foreign‑policy agenda.
Energy Policy and Gas Price Claims
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers reiterated the administration’s commitment to “American energy dominance,” promising that continued pressure on Iran will stabilize global energy markets and drive gas prices back to pre‑conflict lows. The statement follows Trump’s repeated assertions that gasoline prices will “drop substantially” once the conflict ends, with promises of “levels you’ve never seen” due to abundant global energy supplies.
Bipartisan Blame for Gas Prices
The poll indicates that 63% of Americans place at least some blame for rising fuel costs on the president, including 89% of Democrats, 32% of Republicans, and 63% of independents. However, 37% of respondents assign little or no responsibility to Trump for the price surge, highlighting a polarized perception of economic accountability.
Historical Gas Price Context
On May 6, the average U.S. gasoline price reached $4.53 per gallon, up from $4.17 a week earlier and well above the sub‑$3 per gallon averages recorded before the war escalated. This upward trend fuels the public’s negative view of the administration’s economic stewardship and amplifies calls for effective policy interventions.
Political Reactions and Future Outlook
During a May 4 news conference, Trump warned that if Iran does not concede to U.S. demands—particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear constraints—bombing would resume “at a much higher level and intensity.” He also floated the idea of “Operation Epic Fury” as a deterrent against Iran’s alleged pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. These statements maintain a hardline posture while promising a swift resolution that could, in theory, alleviate economic pressures domestically.
Survey Methodology and Margin of Error
The Marist poll was administered via live phone interviews, text messages, and online platforms, ensuring a diverse demographic representation. With 1,322 adult participants, the findings carry a ±3.1 percentage point margin of error, providing a statistically reliable snapshot of contemporary American attitudes toward the president’s handling of foreign affairs, energy policy, and cost‑of‑living concerns.
