Trump approval among rural Americans falls to 50 percent in June poll

A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted June 3-8 found that 50 percent of rural Americans approve of President Trump. The same poll showed disapproval at 48 percent, up from 34 percent in February 2025. The poll reached 4,531 respondents overall and carried a margin of error of 3 percentage points for the rural sample.

Price increases tied to recent conflict The survey results coincide with higher costs for gas, food, and fertilizer linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The U.S. and Iran reached a tentative agreement to end hostilities on Sunday. Gas prices remain more than $1 above pre-war levels even after recent declines, according to the American Automobile Association.

Iranian restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz contributed to the earlier increase. Food prices rose 0.5 percent from March to April and 0.2 percent from April to May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Year-over-year food prices stood 3.1 percent higher in May.

Medicaid changes from 2025 legislation The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump last July, introduced new Medicaid requirements scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027. Certain adults must work or perform community service at least 80 hours per month, or enroll in an educational program for at least 40 hours per month.

The legislation also created a $50 billion fund for rural health providers to offset losses from other provisions. The National Rural Health Association noted last July that the work requirements may be difficult to meet in rural areas where jobs are seasonal or informal and residents face barriers such as limited broadband or transit access.