WASHINGTON — The political honeymoon is definitively over for Donald Trump's second presidency. His approval rating has crashed to 36 percent, a precipitous four-point drop in just one week that reflects American unease with his decision to launch military operations against Iran on February 28.

The Reuters-Ipsos poll, conducted over four days and released Monday, captures a nation increasingly skeptical of Trump's foreign policy adventurism. Fuel prices have surged 23 percent since the Iran campaign began, with regular gasoline now averaging $4.89 per gallon nationwide — the highest since the 2008 financial crisis.

Background

Trump's Iran war began three weeks ago following what the administration characterized as an Iranian attack on American naval assets in the Persian Gulf. The White House claimed Tehran had escalated tensions beyond acceptable limits, necessitating direct military response. Critics argue the administration manufactured justification for a conflict Trump had promised during his campaign.

"This represents the fastest approval decline for any modern president conducting military operations," said Dr. Margaret Chen, director of political polling at Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute. "Historically, presidents see approval bumps during foreign conflicts. Trump is experiencing the opposite."

What Happened

The polling data reveals deep partisan fractures over the Iran conflict. While 67 percent of Republicans still approve of Trump's performance, only 8 percent of Democrats and 29 percent of independents express support. Among independents, Trump's approval has fallen 11 points since military operations began.

Economic concerns drive much of the disapproval. The Iran conflict has disrupted global oil markets, with Brent crude hitting $127 per barrel — levels not seen since Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Transportation costs have rippled through supply chains, pushing grocery prices up 1.8 percent in March alone.

Regional Implications

The Middle East remains on edge as Trump's military campaign shows no signs of concluding quickly. Iran has responded with proxy attacks across the region, targeting American bases in Iraq and Syria while threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz entirely.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis Jr. acknowledged Tuesday that the operation has "evolved beyond initial parameters" but insisted American forces would achieve their objectives. Pentagon sources privately express concern about mission creep as Iranian resistance proves more resilient than anticipated.

"Trump miscalculated Iranian resolve and regional dynamics," observed former Ambassador Robert Malley, now at the Council on Foreign Relations. "What began as limited strikes has morphed into open-ended conflict with unclear objectives and mounting costs."

What Comes Next

With gasoline prices approaching $5 per gallon and no clear exit strategy, Trump faces mounting pressure from Congress to justify the Iran campaign's continuation. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for classified briefings on military objectives, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer demands immediate withdrawal authorization votes.

The polling collapse threatens Trump's broader domestic agenda. Immigration reform and infrastructure spending bills now face uncertain prospects as congressional Republicans distance themselves from an unpopular war. Trump's inner circle reportedly debates messaging strategies to restore public confidence.

Foreign policy experts warn that Trump's weakened position may embolden adversaries globally. China has increased military exercises near Taiwan while Russia probes NATO defenses in Eastern Europe, sensing American distraction in the Middle East.

The Iran conflict has also strained traditional alliances, with European partners expressing private concerns about American unilateralism. Oil-dependent allies face their own economic pressures as energy markets remain volatile.

Trump's political survival may depend on achieving rapid military success or negotiating face-saving withdrawal terms. With 2028 campaign calculations already beginning, the president confronts the possibility that foreign policy overreach could define his second term's legacy. Recent polling suggests Americans increasingly view the Iran war as an avoidable conflict driven more by political calculation than national security imperatives.