Trump approval hits 33% in Reuters/Ipsos poll amid Iran war and rising gas prices
Source: MS NOW · All MS NOW reports
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Summary
MS NOW segment discusses recent polling showing Trump's approval at a low of 33% with 64% disapproval, tying it to an ongoing Iran war, higher gas prices, and slowing economic indicators. It highlights voter trust shifting toward Democrats on the economy per FT and Fox polls, rising credit card debt, and high deficits. Guest Paul Krugman analyzes job growth slowdown, persistent inflation, and links deficits primarily to prior tax cuts. The discussion also touches on Trump's social media focus and skepticism around the AI investment boom.
Editorial Assessment
Poll figures align closely with Reuters/Ipsos and other August 2026 surveys, and credit card debt matches NY Fed data exactly. Economic stress claims find support in gas prices elevated by the Iran conflict, but the segment attributes outcomes almost exclusively to Trump policies while downplaying global factors or prior trends. Deficit discussion cites tax cuts accurately per CBO context yet omits spending drivers or emergency baselines. Heavy reliance on one guest and loaded phrasing (vanity projects, enriching himself) tilts perception without counter-evidence on GDP or voter priorities. Viewers miss recent averages showing approval nearer 37-39% and war cost estimates.
Key Moments
Trump approval at all-time low of 33%, disapproval 64%
Matches August 17 Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,166 adults; also near other recent polls though averages slightly higher.
Voters trust Democrats over Republicans on economy by 7-9 points per FT and Fox polls
Fox July 2026 poll showed 9-point Dem lead on economy handling; aligns with reported FT margin.
Six months into Iran war driving up gas prices, contrary to Trump promises
War nearing six months with prices around $4/gallon per AAA; global supply and Hormuz factors play roles beyond U.S. policy.
Credit card debt at $1.26 trillion nearing record
Exact match to NY Fed Q2 2026 report showing $1.26T balance.
$40T debt and ~6% GDP deficit driven by tax cuts with no emergency justification
Debt near $31-40T range in projections; CBO shows 5.8% deficit share, but attributes include interest, spending, and multiple tax laws.
Notable Concerns
- One-sided sourcing and attribution of economic conditions solely to current administration
- Selective emphasis on negative indicators without full macro context
Sources Consulted
- Trump’s Approval Rating Dips To Second-Term Low
- Trump approval falls to 33%, lowest of his presidency, poll finds
- Democrats Lead Republicans on Economy in New 20-Year High: Fox News Poll
- The Budget and Economic Outlook: 2026 to 2036
- NY Fed: Credit card debt hits $1.26 trillion
- Hassett: Fuel prices 'still higher than we would like'