President Donald Trump’s approval rating has remained at the lowest point of his term, with only 36 per cent of Americans approving of his job performance, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The figure is unchanged from a month earlier, and well below the 47 per cent he enjoyed shortly after being sworn in on January 20.
The poll, conducted over six days and concluded on Monday, shows many Americans – including some Republicans – have concerns about the 79-year-old president’s temperament and mental sharpness. Only 26 per cent of respondents described Trump as “even-tempered”, with Republicans split (53 per cent yes, 46 per cent no) and just 7 per cent of Democrats agreeing.
The president has faced pressure since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in February, driving up petrol prices. Only 36 per cent of Americans support the military strikes, according to the poll. Trump’s approval on handling the cost of living stands at 26 per cent, tied for his lowest ever.
Trump has exhibited agitation in recent weeks, posting a threat to “wipe out” Iran’s civilisation and attacking Pope Leo as “weak on crime” after the pontiff criticised the war. He also alarmed allies by threatening military force against NATO ally Denmark over his demand to annex Greenland.
The poll of 4,557 US adults (margin of error 2 percentage points) found 51 per cent of Americans – including 14 per cent of Republicans – said Trump’s mental sharpness had worsened over the past year. By contrast, 60 per cent viewed Pope Leo favourably, compared with 36 per cent for Trump. Only 16 per cent support leaving NATO, a move Trump has threatened.
