Trump approval rating hits 33%, lowest of his presidency, as Iran war fears grow
President Donald Trump’s approval rating slipped to 33% in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, matching the trough he last touched in December 2017.
Source: South China Morning Post · August 17, 2026 at 7:51 PM · AI-assisted report
Corroborated
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest level of his presidency, amid growing public concern over the prolonged conflict with Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll concluded on Monday.
Market Impact
The latest survey, conducted over four days, found that 64% of respondents disapproved of Trump’s performance, down from 35% in an earlier poll this month. The 33% approval rating ties the previous low point reached in December 2017. The decline follows Trump’s decision to launch strikes on Iran alongside U.S. ally Israel, which has disrupted a fifth of global oil trade and driven up petrol prices, straining U.S.
households and Republican candidates ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Trump, who campaigned on reducing inflation and avoiding prolonged conflicts, initially suggested the war with Iran would last only a few weeks. He framed the conflict as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons that could threaten global security. However, Iran has remained resilient, disrupting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz despite a cooling of direct hostilities.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online with 1,166 U.S. adults nationwide, revealed that 80% of Americans—including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans—believe U.S. involvement in Iran will extend over an extended period. Only 16% expect the conflict to end within weeks. The survey had a margin of error of 3 percentage points in either direction.
Impact on Malaysia’s Oil and Trade Sectors
Malaysia, a net oil importer, could face heightened volatility in global oil prices due to the prolonged Iran conflict, which has already disrupted a fifth of global oil trade. The surge in petrol prices in the U.S. may signal broader inflationary pressures in energy markets, potentially affecting Malaysia’s import costs and domestic fuel prices. Analysts suggest that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to supply chain uncertainties, impacting Malaysia’s trade-dependent economy.
Sector and Corporate Implications
Malaysian oil and gas companies, particularly those with exposure to Middle Eastern supply chains, may monitor the situation closely. Petronas, Malaysia’s state-owned energy giant, could face indirect impacts from fluctuating global oil prices and supply chain disruptions. The company’s financial performance and investment decisions may be influenced by prolonged geopolitical tensions in the region.
Outlook and Policy Considerations
The prolonged conflict with Iran remains a key risk factor for global oil markets and economic stability. In the U.S., Trump’s declining approval rating could weaken Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections, potentially reshaping policy priorities. For Malaysia, the situation underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and supply routes to mitigate risks from geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
Further developments in the conflict will be closely watched by policymakers and industry stakeholders in the region.
Related: Petronas