Disapproval of US President Donald Trump has reached its highest level since the beginning of his current term, according to a survey released by the Washington Post in partnership with ABC News and Ipsos. The research indicates that 62% of Americans disapprove of the Republican's administration, while only 37% approve of his government.
The result comes just months before the midterm legislative elections, scheduled for November, and raises alarm bells within the Republican Party. In addition to a drop in popularity, Trump is facing setbacks in areas considered strategic for voters, such as inflation, the cost of living, and foreign policy.
According to the survey, 76% of respondents disapprove of the handling of the cost of living, 72% reject the management of inflation, and 66% criticize the government's actions in the war involving Iran.
Democrats widen lead in election race
The survey was conducted between April 24 and 28 with 2.560 adults and has a margin of error of two percentage points. The poll shows a Democratic advantage in the race for the House of Representatives: 49% of the vote intentions against 44% for Republicans.
The scenario represents a two-point increase for Democrats compared to the previous survey, released in February. The study also indicates greater motivation among Democratic voters to go to the polls.
The combination of internal wear and tear and international pressure is hindering Republican plans to maintain a majority in Congress.
War with Iran worsens Trump's political decline.
The conflict with Iran has become yet another source of pressure on the White House. Two months after the start of the military offensive conducted alongside Israel, Trump faces increasing criticism regarding financial costs, lack of concrete results, and the absence of a clear strategy to end the crisis.
Last week, the Pentagon released an initial estimate of $25 billion in costs related to the military operation, equivalent to approximately R$126 billion.
Political analysts believe that the president's contradictory messages about the conflict have increased the perception of disorganization within the government.
Matthew Bartlett, a Republican strategist and former State Department official during Trump's first term, told the New York Times that the handling of the crisis is generating negative political, economic, and diplomatic impacts.
Trump announces operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid the regional escalation, Trump announced on Sunday the launch of the so-called "Project Freedom," an initiative aimed at escorting vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the president, the operation will begin this Monday and will target ships from countries not directly involved in the war in the Middle East.
The waterway is strategic for global trade: approximately 20% of all oil traded in the world passes through this location.
Trump stated, in a post on the Truth Social network, that the US will ensure the safe removal of vessels and crews from restricted waterways.
Iran reacts and maintains control over Hormuz.
The Iranian response came swiftly. The Iranian Armed Forces command declared that it maintains "full control" over the security of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any foreign approach without prior coordination could be considered a threat.
According to the Iranian news agency Fars News, military authorities have reinforced that commercial vessels and oil tankers must give prior notice of any transit through the region.
Commander Abdolrahim Mousavi Abdollahi stated that foreign forces, especially American ones, could be subject to military action if they attempt to operate in the area without authorization.
The declaration increases the risk of further military escalation and keeps tensions high on one of the world's most important trade routes.
Energy crisis and inflation worry markets.
The partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a rise in international oil prices and renewed global inflationary fears.
Despite Trump's claims that fuel prices will fall soon, members of his own administration acknowledge that the situation could remain tense for months.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently admitted that high gasoline prices could persist until the end of the year.
If the maritime blockade continues, analysts warn of direct impacts on global energy chains, inflation, and economic growth in various regions of the world.
Negotiations remain undecided.
While the conflict remains unresolved, Iran and the United States are holding indirect talks about a possible peace proposal.
Iranian state media reported that Washington has responded to Tehran's latest 14-point proposal, although details of its content have not yet been officially released.
Trump said on Saturday that he is still reviewing the document and has not ruled out resuming military strikes if he deems it necessary.
With no immediate agreement and a persistent naval stalemate, the international crisis continues to be a central source of strain for the White House at a crucial moment in the American election calendar.
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