CNN Poll Reveals Cracking Republican Support for Trump's Handling of the Iran War

A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS reveals that Americans' opposition to the war in Iran has hardened, with nearly two-thirds stating that the US is not winning the conflict and an increasing number asserting that President Donald Trump is not doing enough to bring it to an end.

Nearly seven months after the conflict began, broad majorities report that the war has harmed US interests, has not been worth the costs, and that President Donald Trump lacks a clear plan to handle the situation. These findings emerge as President Donald Trump prepares to address the United Nations and meet with Gulf leaders regarding the future of the Iran war, while simultaneously confronting a growing crisis with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Overall, 29 percent of US adults approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of foreign affairs, marking a new low in CNN polling across both of his terms as office, while 71 percent disapprove. Furthermore, only 26 percent approve of his handling of the situation in Iran, declining from 33 percent a month after the war started. This drop in approval is largely driven by Republicans, whereas views among Democrats and independents have remained consistently negative.

While 73 percent of Republicans approved of his handling of the conflict in March, that figure has now fallen to 60 percent. Among Republican and Republican-leaning adults, approval drops into negative territory for those younger than 45, at 53 percent disapproval, and those who do not identify as members of the Make America Great Again movement, at 54 percent disapproval.

Regarding the broader conflict, 78 percent of all adults state that President Donald Trump is not doing enough to end the war, and about 7 in 10 believe a long-term conflict is likely. Public sentiment on other international relations also shows shifts, notably with views on Canada following a tariff war, and changing perceptions of Israel, particularly among younger Americans and Democrats.