Trump Approval Rating Falls to 37 Percent in NYT-Siena Poll

A New York Times/Siena poll released Monday found that 37 percent of Americans approve of President Trump's job performance, down four points from January. The survey of 1,507 registered voters, conducted May 11-15 by telephone, carries a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points.

Nearly three-quarters of independents shared that view, while seven in 10 Republicans said the decision was correct. Gas prices averaged nearly $4.52 per gallon on Monday, up 52 percent since U.S.-Israeli airstrikes began in February. Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in response, contributing to higher energy costs.

An estimated 64 percent disapprove of his management of the economy overall. Democrats argued that the conflict represents a war of choice that is raising costs for American households and called for Congress to limit presidential war powers. The White House countered that national security decisions should not hinge on shifting polls.

" — White House spokesman Davis Ingle, May 18, 2026 (Washington Times) Trump has stated that short-term economic pressure is acceptable if it prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The poll found that fewer than one in four Americans believe the war has been worth the costs.