Trump's handling of economy, Iran slammed in new CBS News poll

A new CBS News poll reveals a stark bipartisan consensus: President Trump is facing significant disapproval from the American public on two of his signature issues—the economy and the war in Iran. The survey, conducted in late January, shows that 65% of Americans disapprove of how Mr. Trump is handling the economy, while 71% disapprove of his handling of inflation. Additionally, 63% of respondents believe the conflict in Iran is going badly for the United States.

Economic discontent deepens

Despite the president's frequent claims of a booming economy under his administration, the CBS News poll suggests that a majority of Americans are not feeling the benefits. The 65% disapproval rating on the economy cuts across party lines, though Republicans remain more supportive. Inflation, a persistent concern for households, draws even stronger criticism, with 71% disapproving of Mr. Trump's management. Gas prices and grocery costs continue to pinch, eroding optimism even among some GOP voters.

Economists note that while GDP growth has been positive, inflation has outpaced wage gains for many workers. The poll comes as the Federal Reserve maintains a cautious stance on interest rate cuts, citing stubbornly high prices. The White House has pointed to infrastructure spending and tax cuts as remedies, but the poll indicates these arguments have not resonated broadly.

Iran war pessimism grows

The poll also drills down into public sentiment on the ongoing U.S. military engagement in Iran, which began after a series of attacks on American assets in the Middle East. Sixty-three percent of Americans now say the war in Iran is going badly for the United States. This represents a significant shift from earlier phases of the conflict, when polls showed more mixed views. The perception of stalemate, combined with rising casualties and costs, appears to have driven down expectations.

National security analysts point to a lack of clear strategic objectives in Iran as a reason for the grim outlook. The administration has struggled to articulate a path to de-escalation, while adversaries such as Iran-backed militias continue to target U.S. forces. The poll suggests that the American public is growing weary of the conflict, with only 28% saying the war is going well.

Wider implications for the president

These numbers come at a challenging time for Mr. Trump, who is also facing legal challenges and a competitive primary season. Economic and foreign policy ratings are often key predictors of re-election chances. The poll's large disapproval figures on core issues could embolden Democratic challengers, who are now framing the 2024 election as a referendum on Trump's leadership.

However, the president's base remains largely intact; among Republicans, disapproval on the economy is only about 20%. The broader public's discontent, though, may be hard to ignore. Independent voters, who swung toward Trump in 2016, are now showing signs of skepticism. If these trends continue, the White House may need to adjust its messaging or policy priorities.

The CBS News poll was conducted among a representative sample of U.S. adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Full results are expected to be published later this week.

What comes next

With the Iran conflict showing no signs of a quick resolution and inflation still elevated, the coming months will be critical for the Trump administration. Administration officials have hinted at new economic initiatives, including targeted relief for low-income families, and have sought to downplay the Iran war as a limited engagement. But public opinion, as measured by this poll, suggests that the president's ratings on these fronts have fallen to dangerous lows for an incumbent seeking a second term.