Trump’s job approval ratings have declined steadily through the first half of 2026, averaging in the mid-to-high 30s across major pollsters and reaching second-term lows near 36-39 percent in recent surveys. Economic concerns, including inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and rising gas prices tied to the ongoing U.S. involvement in the Middle East conflict with Iran, have weighed heavily on public sentiment, as have perceptions of handling immigration and the federal budget. Midterm elections scheduled for November 2026 represent a key upcoming event that could influence or reflect shifts in these ratings. Trader assessments of the year’s eventual peak center on whether policy developments, diplomatic progress, or economic data can produce a meaningful rebound before year-end.