Trump may face problems because of the Iran war

Donald Trump has steadily lost popularity among Americans since he returned to the White House in January. Although second-term presidents often face declining support, Trump’s fall reflects deeper public frustration. Many Americans remain unhappy about high prices, rising living costs, and financial pressure. These economic concerns have already helped Democrats win more elections over the past year. As a result, Trump now faces growing political challenges early in his second term.

Democrats have gained momentum in special elections across the country. According to election data, they performed about 13% better in contested 2025 special elections than they did in those same districts during the 2024 presidential race. This shift shows that voters have started moving away from Republicans. Rising dissatisfaction with the economy has played a major role in this trend. The Iran war has added even more pressure to an already uneasy political climate.

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Iran war and rising prices weaken Trump’s support

Trump’s approval on the economy has also weakened sharply. At the beginning of his second term, 43% of Americans approved of how he handled the economy. By late June 2025, that number dropped to 35% and stayed near that level for the rest of the year. At the same time, gas prices climbed to nearly $4 a gallon just three weeks into the Iran war. These rising fuel costs have increased public anxiety and worsened concerns about inflation and daily expenses.

Trump also saw his overall approval rating fall during this period. At the start of his second term, he held 52% approval, which gave him enough support to push major policies on immigration, tariffs, tax reform, and government cuts. However, by the start of the Iran war, his approval had fallen to 42%. This week, it slipped further to 40%. With midterm congressional elections only months away, this decline puts Trump in a risky political position.

Despite these warning signs, Trump still keeps strong support from Republican voters. Many in his political base continue to back the Iran war, even if it leads to higher gas prices and economic strain. Polls show that most Republicans support US military action in Iran and approve of Trump’s handling of the conflict. However, support drops sharply among all voters, especially independents. This shift suggests that independent voters may now be turning against Trump, which could hurt him and Republicans in future elections.

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