Trump Faces Backlash Over Iran War

President's poll numbers decline as conflict disrupts energy markets and divides his base

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two weeks into the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, President Donald Trump is facing growing political challenges. His approval ratings have declined as the conflict has led to rising oil prices, disruptions to global energy markets, and American military casualties. Even some of Trump's supporters are questioning his handling of the war, while Democrats see an opportunity to make gains in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

The war with Iran has become a major political liability for Trump, undermining his claims of foreign policy success and economic management. The disruptions to energy markets and rising costs for consumers could hurt Republican chances in the midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake.

The details

Since the start of the war, Trump has grown increasingly agitated with media coverage and has struggled to articulate a clear strategy for ending the conflict. He has suggested the U.S. will need international assistance to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, but details on that plan remain unclear. Meanwhile, the administration's decision to ease some sanctions on Russian oil shipments has been criticized as empowering President Vladimir Putin. Trump had initially promised U.S. naval ships would escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, but that has not yet happened.

  • The U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran two weeks ago.
  • Last weekend, Trump played golf a day after attending the dignified transfer of six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran war.
  • This past week, the death toll from the conflict rose further.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the strikes on Iran, leading to the current conflict.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whose ability to wage war in Ukraine has been bolstered by rising oil prices and the easing of some sanctions on Russian oil shipments.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine, who has criticized the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil as empowering Putin.

Kelly Dietrich

The CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee, who believes the Democrats are well-positioned for the midterm elections due to the administration's failures.

Brad Bannon

A Democratic strategist who believes the Democrats can remind voters that Trump promised to bring down prices, which are still rising.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're flying by the seat of their pants, and the rest of us are paying the price.”

— Kelly Dietrich, CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee (taylorvilledailynews.com)

“Democrats just have to keep reminding people that he made a promise to bring prices down, and they're still going up. And now they're going to go up even more because prices in gasoline can increase prices of everything else, including at the grocery store.”

— Brad Bannon, Democratic strategist (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This conflict has become a major political liability for President Trump, undermining his claims of foreign policy success and economic management. The disruptions to energy markets and rising costs for consumers could hurt Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections, where control of Congress is at stake.