Trump’s economic handling: FT poll shows rising voter discontent

KARACHI: More than half of American voters disapprove of Donald Trump’s handling of inflation and the economy, according to a new poll that suggests his tariff policies and the war involving Iran are weighing on Republican prospects ahead of the US midterm elections.

The nationwide survey, conducted last week by research firm Focaldata for the Financial Times, found that inflation and the rising cost of living remain the top concerns for voters ahead of November’s congressional elections, when control of both chambers of Congress will be contested.

The poll showed that nearly 58 percent of registered voters either “strongly” or “somewhat” disapproved of Trump’s management of inflation and living costs. More than half also expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of jobs and the broader economy.

READ MORE: Trump’s approval hits new 36 pc low as fuel prices surge amid Iran war: poll

Around 55 percent of respondents said Trump’s tariffs had negatively affected the US economy, while only about one-quarter believed his trade policies had benefited economic conditions.

The findings come at a politically sensitive moment for the Trump administration, with six months remaining before the midterms.

The ongoing conflict with Iran has pushed fuel and consumer prices higher and exposed divisions within Trump’s “Make America Great Again” support base, which backed him in the 2024 election on promises to curb inflation and prioritize domestic interests.

Although Trump recently claimed petrol prices were “way down,” average gasoline prices in the US reportedly climbed to about USD4.60 per gallon last week — nearly 50 percent higher than before the conflict began.

The war escalated after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran in late February, triggering a prolonged confrontation that effectively disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and tightened global oil supplies.

While a fragile ceasefire remains in place, Trump has been attempting to negotiate an agreement with Tehran to prevent further escalation and limit inflationary pressure before the elections.

The poll also found that nearly 54 percent of voters disapproved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, while fewer than one-third approved. Even among Republicans, roughly one in five respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his management of the conflict.

Overall, more than 54 percent of voters said they disapproved of Trump’s performance as president, compared with just over 39 percent who approved. Independent voters were particularly critical, with more than 58 percent holding an unfavourable view of him.

According to the survey, Democrats currently hold an eight-point advantage over Republicans among registered voters heading into the midterms, with an even wider lead among independents. Republicans presently control both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, though Democrats are aiming to regain control of Congress in November.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administration’s policies, saying Trump’s tax cuts, deregulation measures and energy agenda would keep the US economy on a “solid economic trajectory.”

He added that once disruptions linked to the Iran conflict eased, Americans would see falling gas prices, lower inflation and continued investment growth.

The online poll was conducted by Focaldata between May 1 and May 5 among 3,167 registered voters and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026