Ohio – President Donald Trump is facing increasing backlash from both Democrats and some former supporters as the conflict with Iran drags on and concerns over rising costs continue to weigh on American households.
In Ohio, where economic concerns have become a major topic of conversation, former Ohio-based Trump supporter Eric Spracklen drew widespread attention after publicly criticizing the president over comments many interpreted as dismissive toward the financial struggles facing ordinary Americans. “This is not the same man I voted for. I honestly can’t even recognize him anymore. An absolutely disgusting betrayal,” Spracklen wrote online, reflecting frustrations shared by some voters worried about rising fuel costs and broader economic uncertainty.
Those concerns intensified after Trump said he “couldn’t care less” if negotiations with Iran were halted. The remarks sparked criticism from energy analysts and political opponents, including GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan, who warned that such an approach could increase pressure on fuel prices. “The “I don’t care” attitude will increase the odds of new all-time gas price records, not reduce them,” De Haan wrote. He also estimated that Americans have already paid billions more at the pump since tensions escalated, arguing that the conflict continues to place a heavy burden on household budgets. Now, a new national poll suggests those economic concerns may be creating one of the most serious political challenges of Trump’s presidency.
Economic Frustration Overshadows the White House
A new Reuters/Ipsos survey paints a difficult picture for the president. More than three months after military strikes against Iran reshaped global energy markets, Trump’s approval rating remains near the lowest levels of his political career.
The poll found that just 35 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in office. That figure is unchanged from a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in mid-May and sits only slightly above the 34 percent approval rating recorded in April. It also remains close to the lowest point of Trump’s first term, when his approval rating fell to 33 percent in late 2017.
The findings suggest that the political fallout from the Iran conflict continues to linger, particularly as Americans remain worried about the economy and their personal finances.
The military campaign began on February 28 when Trump authorized strikes against Iran alongside Israel. Iran responded with actions that severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes and previously responsible for carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Although the pace of military activity has slowed since April, efforts to secure a permanent agreement have not succeeded.
Rising Costs Remain a Major Concern
Even as gasoline prices have eased somewhat from their highest levels, Americans remain deeply concerned about where costs are headed next.
According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, 59 percent of respondents expect gas prices to worsen over the next year. Only 17 percent believe prices will improve, while others either expect little change or remain uncertain.
Those fears are rooted in what many families have already experienced. During the early stages of the conflict, the national average price of gasoline climbed above $3.70 per gallon after sitting around $2.93 only a month earlier.
Another Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in May found that 64 percent of Americans said higher gas prices had directly affected their household finances. Even more striking, 83 percent expected prices to continue increasing.
When asked about the causes, 86 percent said the conflict involving Iran was at least partly responsible for rising fuel costs. Three-quarters also placed responsibility on the Trump administration.
Brent crude oil remains significantly above pre-war levels despite recent declines, highlighting the lasting impact of disruptions to global energy supplies.
The Issue That Once Helped Trump
Perhaps the most troubling numbers for the White House involve the economy itself.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly argued that he could lower costs and improve affordability for working families. Economic dissatisfaction under former President Joe Biden became one of the central issues that helped propel Trump back into office.
Now that same issue appears to be causing political damage.
Only 22 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 70 percent disapprove.
Those numbers are even worse than Biden’s ratings on the issue near the end of his presidency. Biden finished with 29 percent approval and 63 percent disapproval on cost-of-living concerns.
That comparison is particularly significant because inflation and affordability were widely viewed as major reasons Democrats struggled during the 2024 election.
Support for the Iran Campaign Remains Weak
Public opinion on the military operation itself has shown little improvement.
Just 36 percent of Americans said they support the strikes against Iran. Even fewer — only 25 percent — believe the benefits of the campaign have been worth the costs.
Many voters are also concerned about broader security consequences. Earlier polling found that 46 percent believe the conflict will ultimately make America less safe. Only 26 percent said they think it will make the country safer.
The conflict recently crossed the 100-day mark without a lasting resolution. A temporary ceasefire negotiated in April briefly raised hopes that shipping traffic and energy markets might stabilize. However, talks eventually collapsed.
Vice President JD Vance, who participated in negotiations, said discussions broke down because Iran refused to provide guarantees that it would abandon efforts to pursue a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains well below normal levels. Before the conflict, more than 100 vessels passed through the waterway each day. Although some supertankers have returned, overall traffic remains sharply reduced.
Analysts have described the disruption as one of the largest oil supply shocks in modern history.
Democrats See an Opportunity
The poll also suggests a broader political shift heading toward the midterm elections.
Registered voters currently favor Democrats over Republicans by a margin of 41 percent to 37 percent if congressional elections were held today.
Just as important, Republicans appear to be losing an advantage they once held on economic issues. While voters previously trusted Republicans more to manage the economy, the latest survey shows Democrats nearly tied on that question. Thirty-six percent said Democrats have the better economic plan, while 37 percent chose Republicans.
That represents a dramatic change from the environment that existed during the 2024 election cycle.
With economic concerns continuing to dominate voters’ attention, the issue that once helped fuel Trump’s political comeback may now be creating one of the greatest obstacles facing both the president and his party. As long as gas prices remain elevated and household budgets stay under pressure, Republicans may find themselves defending ground they once considered secure.
