A new Fox News survey reveals President Donald Trump's disapproval rating has climbed to its highest point across both his terms in office, reaching 59% among registered voters. The poll, conducted March 20-23, shows 47% of respondents strongly disapprove of his handling of the presidency, while only 41% approve. Within that approval figure, just 22% express strong support for his job performance.
Record Disapproval Across Both Terms
The current 59% disapproval mark surpasses previous highs from both his first and second terms. During his second term, Trump's disapproval peaked at 58% in November. His first-term high was 57% in October 2017. This latest data suggests a growing consolidation of negative sentiment as his administration navigates multiple international crises.
Foreign Policy Faces Strong Opposition
The poll indicates particular voter dissatisfaction with the administration's foreign policy direction. Overall, 62% disapprove of Trump's foreign policy agenda. This disapproval intensifies regarding specific conflicts, with 64% expressing disapproval of his handling of tensions with Iran. These figures exceed first-term disapproval highs on foreign policy (56% in October 2019 and January 2020) and on Iran policy specifically (55% in October 2017).
Public opinion appears to be reacting to recent military actions. The survey found 58% of registered voters oppose the U.S. military operation in Iran, with 37% strongly opposed. Support stands at 42%, but only 20% strongly back the action. This public skepticism aligns with growing congressional demands for clarity on the administration's military strategy and objectives.
Broader Polling Context and Regional Tensions
Other recent polls corroborate this negative trend. A Reuters/Ipsos survey released Tuesday showed Trump's approval rating at 36%, with 62% disapproval. That same poll indicated 52% of Americans believe U.S. actions in Iran are not going well, and 44% think the military engagement will make the country less safe.
The polling comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Both nations have presented competing peace plans, with Iran rejecting a U.S. proposal in favor of its own, which asserts sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and demands reparations. President Trump has warned Iranian negotiators to "get serious soon," threatening that otherwise "there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty!" This approach reflects a pattern where unorthodox diplomatic channels have complicated military and strategic planning.
Political and Legislative Repercussions
The declining poll numbers and controversial foreign policy moves are triggering political responses. Some lawmakers are already moving to check executive authority, as seen in legislation like the bill introduced by Representatives Jayapal and Meeks to bar unauthorized military action against Cuba. Furthermore, the administration faces legal challenges on other fronts, including a recent federal court decision delaying a policy on college admissions data.
These domestic political headwinds, combined with foreign policy challenges, present a complex landscape for the Trump administration as it moves toward the midterm elections. The Fox News poll of 1,001 registered voters carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points, providing a statistically significant snapshot of growing voter discontent.
