By Raul Castillo
President Donald Trump’s disapproval reached a new high, fueled by Americans’ discontent over the rising cost of living, persistent inflation and his handling of the conflict with Iran.
A survey by ABC Data, The Washington Post and Ipsos, released this Friday, found that 62% of Americans disapprove of the president’s management, two points more than in February.
The economy remains the main focus of concern. 72% of those surveyed rejected Trump’s handling of inflation, a jump of seven points in just two months. Only 27% expressed support for his performance in that area.
The evaluation on the cost of living is even more severe: 76% consider that the president has handled this problem poorly, compared to 23% who approve of his actions.
The deterioration in public perception coincides with a spike in gasoline and energy prices during the war with Iran. In March, core inflation reached 3.5%, its highest level in two years.
The war with Iran increases the attrition
Foreign policy has also become a source of pressure for the White House. Two thirds of those consulted, 66%, disapprove of Trump’s management in the war with Iran, while only a third supports it.
Although Trump assured on Saturday that Tehran presented a new proposal to end the conflict, he admitted reservations about the possibility of reaching a definitive agreement.
Talks between Washington and the Iranian government continue without concrete progress, in a context in which US ground operations in the region have decreased.
Tensions with European allies
The conflict has also deepened friction with traditional partners of the United States. Trump has publicly criticized several allies for, he says, not providing enough support in the Middle East.
The discrepancies have been particularly visible with European governments, some of which questioned the US military operation.
In this context, Trump announced that he will reduce the United States military presence in Germany, with an initial withdrawal of about 5,000 soldiers, and anticipated that the cut could be even greater.
The survey reflects the impact of these disputes: 65% of those interviewed consider that the president is inadequately managing relations with Washington’s allies.
The survey was conducted among 2,560 adults nationwide and has a margin of error of two percentage points.
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