Trump's approval rating plummets over foreign policy handling: Poll

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
8 Mar 2025 17:58
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Trump’s foreign policy decisions—particularly concerning Ukraine and Gaza—have drawn criticism not only from Democrats but also from members of his Republican party.

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US President Donald Trump walks to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on March 7, 2025 (AFP)

US President Donald Trump is experiencing a decline in approval ratings regarding his handling of foreign policy, a new poll highlighted.

A survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos between March 2 and 4 found that only 37% of respondents approve of Trump's approach to foreign policy, while 50% disapprove, resulting in a net approval rating of -13 points. The poll included 1,174 respondents.

Trump’s foreign policy decisions—particularly concerning Ukraine and Gaza—have drawn criticism not only from Democrats but also from members of his Republican party.

Following a heated exchange last week between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which led the US President to pause military aid to Ukraine, several Republicans voiced their disapproval.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska wrote on X: "I am sick to my stomach as the administration appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and U.S. values around the world."

Meanwhile, Trump's suggestion in February that the US could "take over" Gaza and deploy American troops to the region sparked backlash. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called the proposal "problematic", adding that Gaza "would be a tough place to be stationed as an American."

The latest poll, showing a net approval rating of -13 points on foreign policy, marks a decline from January, when Trump held a net approval rating of +2 points, with 39% approval and 37% disapproval.

Support among Republicans has also softened. In the March poll, 75% of Republicans approved of Trump's foreign policy performance, down from 79% in January. Disapproval among Republicans rose from 5% to 15% over the same period.

Democrats remain overwhelmingly critical, with disapproval rising from 74% in January to 86% in March. Independents also expressed growing dissatisfaction, with disapproval increasing from 41% in January to 53% in March.

The survey further revealed that more Americans believe US foreign policy is on the wrong track, with 49% agreeing in March, compared to 40% in January.

The March poll had a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, while the January poll had a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points.

Republican Senator Susan Collins described the tense exchange between Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Zelensky as "unfortunate, given how high the stakes are."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian and US officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss efforts to end the war with Russia. While the timing of a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin remains uncertain, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has confirmed that preparations are underway.