Trump's Job Approval Plummets to 37% Amid Iran War Controversy
A new NBC News poll released on Sunday reveals that President Donald Trump's job approval rating has fallen to a second-term low of 37 per cent, largely driven by public dissatisfaction with his handling of the ongoing war with Iran. The survey indicates that 63 per cent of US adults disapprove of his overall performance, with half of those respondents expressing strong disapproval.
Deep Disapproval Over Iran War Strategy
Specifically regarding the conflict, the poll found that only 33 per cent of respondents approve of Trump's handling of the war, while a substantial 67 per cent disapprove. This disapproval cuts across party lines, with 82 per cent of Democrats and independents expressing opposition, compared to 74 per cent of Republicans who approve of the president's actions.
Younger Americans Show Strongest Opposition
Opposition to further military escalation is particularly pronounced among younger adults. While 61 per cent of all respondents believe the US should not take additional military action in Iran, that figure rises to 74 per cent among those under 30, highlighting a generational divide in attitudes toward the conflict.
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Moves
This polling data emerges as Trump announced that US negotiators will travel to Pakistan on Monday to resume talks aimed at ending the war with Iran, while simultaneously warning of potential escalation if no agreement is reached. The president also confirmed that the United States forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska, on Sunday after it attempted to bypass the US naval blockade.
In a social media post, Trump detailed that the vessel was warned by a US Navy guided-missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman to stop but failed to comply. "Our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room," Trump wrote, adding that US Marines had taken custody of the vessel and were inspecting its contents.
Maritime Seizure Marks Heightened Tensions
This seizure represents a significant escalation in tensions with Iran over maritime activity in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurs as Washington prepares for a second round of talks with Tehran, with a fragile ceasefire set to expire in the coming days. Meanwhile, Iranian state media has suggested that these talks may not be viable, casting further uncertainty on diplomatic prospects.
The combination of declining public support and escalating military actions creates a complex political landscape for the Trump administration as it navigates one of the most challenging foreign policy crises of his presidency.
