President Donald Trump’s overall approval rating has edged down following the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—but polling data shows Americans largely support the military action, even as broader concerns about escalation linger.
According to a new Quantus poll conducted June 23–25 among 1,000 registered voters, Trump’s approval slipped from 48% to 47%, while disapproval rose to 50%, giving him a net rating of -3. The decline remains within the poll’s ±3% margin of error.
Other polls show mixed results:
- A Quinnipiac poll (June 22–24) found Trump’s approval at 41%, up three points, with disapproval unchanged at 54%.
- An American Pulse survey (June 23–25) of 633 voters showed 50% approve, 49% disapprove, placing Trump at +1 net approval—also within the ±3.9% margin of error.
Why It Matters
Trump launched Operation Midnight Hammer over the weekend, targeting three of Iran’s nuclear facilities amid heightened conflict between Iran and Israel. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar. Although a ceasefire was reached on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces accused Iran of violating it—charges Tehran denies.
While the strikes have sparked global attention, domestic reaction has been more measured. Polls reveal most Americans support the limited action but fear a prolonged conflict.
Public Opinion on the Airstrikes
In the same Quantus poll, 47% of Americans approved of the strikes, with 36% opposed, yielding a +11 net approval. Among Republicans, support was overwhelming at 75%, while 61% of Democrats disapproved. Independents were split down the middle.
Trump’s handling of the Iran-Israel conflict, including both the strikes and ceasefire, earned him his strongest foreign policy marks yet:
- 60% approval, 25% disapproval, including 59% of independents
- Support among suburban voters: 59%; rural voters: 72%
The American Pulse survey echoed these results:
- 56% approve of Trump’s efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons
- 57% support the strikes
However, only 39% believe the world is safer as a result. 43% say it’s less safe, underscoring fears about unintended consequences.
Foreign Policy Still a Weak Spot
Despite approval for the strikes, Trump’s broader foreign policy ratings remain low:
- 40% overall foreign policy approval (Quinnipiac)
- 45% approval on military matters
- -14 net rating on overall handling of the Iran-Israel situation
Pollsters suggest Americans draw a sharp distinction between one-off actions and long-term military commitments.
Americans Oppose Further Escalation
When asked about sending U.S. troops to the region:
- 48% oppose escalation
- 43% would support troop deployment
Even among those who back the airstrikes, many hesitate at the idea of a prolonged conflict, fearing a repeat of wars in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Support for ongoing aid to Israel also reveals a partisan divide:
- 41% favor continued U.S. support even if it risks deeper involvement
- 43% are opposed
- Among Republicans, 61% support standing by Israel at all costs
- Only 28% of Democrats agree; independents are split
Confidence in the Military and Retaliation
- 62% say they are confident in the U.S. military’s ability to handle another Middle East conflict
- But 31% express doubts, especially among younger voters and Democrats
When it comes to direct threats:
- 48% say they’d support a full-scale military response if Iran attacks U.S. troops or civilians
- 39% say it depends on the attack
- Only 14% oppose any retaliation
A YouGov poll supports the shift:
- Support for bombing Iran rose from 21% to 35% this week
- Opposition fell from 57% to 46%
What’s Next?
Polling expert G. Elliott Morris predicts public support for action in Iran will rise further in the coming week, citing historical trends and partisan alignment.
“Voters often mirror their party leaders’ positions,” Morris wrote on Substack. “After initial strikes, approval usually climbs 10 to 20 points—until reality sets in.”
For now, Trump’s personal ratings remain divided, but the public appears to back his forceful response—so long as it doesn’t lead to another long war.
