Trump’s Poll Numbers Collapse as Iran War Backfires on His Popularity

Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran faced fresh setbacks over the weekend after the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship, disrupting efforts to broker a new peace agreement just days before a two-week ceasefire deadline.

By Monday, Donald Trump’s frustration with poll numbers and media coverage appeared to dominate his attention. On Truth Social, the president shared polls from pro-Trump sources claiming overwhelming public support for his policies—claims that contradict broader reporting. He also shared Newsmax headlines declaring he had “already won the war.”

In one post, Trump pushed back against reports that Israel had convinced the White House to join its military campaign against Iran. “Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did,” he wrote. “I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90 percent of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing.”

Trump added, “And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!” His remarks underscored his ongoing efforts to influence foreign governments.

U.S. involvement in the war traces back to a February 11 meeting in the White House Situation Room, where Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S. and Israeli officials discussed military strategy. The New York Times reported earlier this month that Netanyahu’s influence and pressure campaign were key drivers behind America’s entry into the conflict.

Despite warnings from U.S. military commanders that components of Netanyahu’s plan were “farcical,” Trump had already committed to overthrowing Iran’s theocratic regime. Netanyahu’s role appears to remain central; last month, Trump told The Times of Israel that any decision to end the war would be made “mutually” with the Israeli leader.

The war’s impact has been devastating. Together, the U.S. and Israel have killed thousands of Iranian civilians and destroyed critical infrastructure. At least 13 U.S. soldiers have died, and the conflict has driven up global living costs, strained international relations—particularly with Western allies—and cost American taxpayers over $50 billion. Domestically, the war has fueled political backlash against MAGA ideology.

Trump’s stated goal was to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, but recent assessments contradict earlier claims of success. Before the war—which lacked congressional approval—Trump authorized strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.