Trump Faces Growing Dissatisfaction With Inflation, Economy, Iran War: New Poll | Today’s news
According to a new nationwide Fox News poll conducted between May 15 and 18, 2026, a majority of American voters now view the cost of living as the country’s biggest economic problem.
58 percent of respondents cited affordability and cost of living as their top economic concern, up from 50% in February. Other concerns trailed far behind, with government spending cited by 16%, while jobs and tariffs were cited by 8% each.
The survey also found deepening pessimism about the economy. About 77% of voters said the economy was in bad shape, compared with 73% last month and 71% a year ago. Only 23% rated economic conditions positively – the lowest level seen in more than a year.
More Americans say family finances have gotten worse
Economic anxiety seems to hit households directly.
According to the survey, 51% of voters said that their family’s financial situation is worse today than it was two years ago. Before the 2022 elections, this figure was 44%.
The findings indicate growing frustration with inflation, rising prices and pressures on home affordability as President Donald Trump’s second term progresses.
Trump’s economic ratings continued to decline
The poll showed worsening ratings of Trump’s handling of the economy.
Overall disapproval of Trump’s economic management climbed to 71%, up from 66% last month and 56% a year ago. His approval rating on the economy now stands at just 29%, down from 34% in April.
The decline mainly includes a drop in support among Republicans. Approval among non-MAGA Republicans reached 36%, much closer to independents at 18% than to MAGA Republicans, among whom 74% still approve of Trump’s economic performance.
Inflation remains Trump’s weakest issue
Inflation emerged as Trump’s weakest issue in the poll.
Only 24% of voters approved of his handling of inflation, down sharply from 35% in January. Meanwhile, 76% disagreed.
The issue also exposed cracks in Republican support. A narrow majority of Republicans — 51% — disapproved of Trump’s handling of inflation, along with 85% of independents and 96% of Democrats.
Trump underwater on most key issues
The poll showed Trump receiving negative ratings on nearly every major issue tested.
President Trump’s Job Performance Rating:
Overall job approval: 39% agree, 61% disagree
Border security: 49% approve, 51% disapprove
Foreign policy: 38% approve, 62% disapprove
Economy: 29% agree, 71% disagree
Inflation: 24% agree, 76% disagree
Trump’s overall approval rating has fallen 10 points since the start of his second term and is now just one point above his lowest rating recorded in October 2017.
The assessment of border security is negative
Border security has previously been Trump’s strongest issue during his second term. But the latest poll found voters now narrowly disapprove of his handling of the border, 51% to 49%.
The decline comes despite 45% of voters saying border security is better today than it was two years ago, while 29% said it has gotten worse.
The poll also found declining approval among several key Trump constituencies, including rural white voters, white men without a college degree and Republicans.
Gas prices and the Iran war fuel voter frustration
The survey found widespread concern over rising fuel prices.
Roughly 86% of voters called higher gas prices a problem, with 51% calling it a “major” problem. Almost all respondents – 96% – said gas prices affect the wider economy.
When asked who or what is responsible for rising gas prices, many voters blamed Trump’s policies, domestic oil companies and government regulations. However, 91% also pointed to the war in Iran as a major contributing factor.
Most oppose US military action in Iran
Despite the majority of Americans believing that the United States is winning the conflict in Iran, opposition to continued military involvement has grown.
60% oppose US military action in Iran
40% support further involvement
Two-thirds of respondents said the US was winning the war. Republican voters were the most optimistic, with 89% saying the US is winning, while 56% of Democrats believe Iran currently has the advantage.
Younger voters under 30 were among those most likely to believe the US was winning, at 79%, but were also among the strongest opponents of the war, with 67% opposing continued involvement.
Half of the voters believe that the conflict could continue for at least another year.
Read also | Nearly half of MAGA Trump voters support Israeli government amid GOP rift
Voters are skeptical about the outcome of Trump’s summit in China
The poll also showed mixed reactions to Trump’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While 45% approved of Trump’s handling of the summit, 54% disapproved. A slight majority — 52% — believed Xi gained more from the negotiations, compared with 46% who believed Trump benefited more.
More than a quarter of Republicans, along with a majority of Democrats and independents, said Xi emerged stronger from the talks.
Survey methodology
The Fox News poll was conducted May 15-18, 2026 by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research.
The survey included 1,002 registered voters across the country via landlines, mobile phones and online interviews. The margin of sampling error was ±3 percentage points.
Read also | Trump’s Iran War and Economic Handling Emerge as Top Liabilities: New Poll
