Public Opinion: Trump’s Foreign Successes vs. Domestic Struggles

Fri Oct 17 2025 20:17:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new AP-NORC poll shows an uptick in approval for Trump's foreign policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, while domestic approval remains low amid ongoing economic challenges.

A recent poll indicates a significant increase in U.S. adults' approval of President Trump's handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict, rising to 47% following a ceasefire deal. However, Trump's overall job approval rating remains weak at only 40%, with critical domestic issues such as inflation, healthcare, and immigration continuing to undermine his standing. Many citizens express dissatisfaction with Trump's focus on international concerns over pressing domestic hardships, which may affect Republican candidates in the upcoming election season.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Recent polling from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates a notable increase in public support for President Donald Trump’s diplomacy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict through a successful ceasefire. However, his overall approval ratings remain stagnant as issues closer to home, such as the economy and healthcare, continue to deeply concern American voters.

The survey data, gathered from October 9-13 just prior to the release of hostages in Israel, shows that about 47% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict—a significant rise from the 37% approval rating reported in September. This uptick appears largely driven by a more favorable view of Trump among Democratic voters, highlighting potential shifts in partisan perspectives in light of foreign policy developments.

Jack Bornstein, a 61-year-old independent from Georgia, noted his approval of Trump's role in negotiating the hostage situation but contrasted it with dissatisfaction regarding domestic issues like inflation which affects daily life. I give him credit for that. That’s probably the only thing I can say is positive for him, he said.

In stark contrast, Trump's handling of domestic responsibilities garners much less approval. Approximately 40% of U.S. adults express dissatisfaction with his approach to immigration, while his economic performance receives approval from only one-third of respondents. Healthcare remains Trump’s weakest area, with a dismal approval rate of just 30% amidst ongoing nationwide discussions about healthcare reform and governmental funding issues during a prolonged shutdown.

As the political landscape begins to shift towards upcoming elections, a vast majority of Americans, about 70%, feel that the country is headed in the wrong direction, guiding Republican candidates to ponder their alignment with the President’s policies. Commentators and critics suggest that Trump's focus on international conflicts may detract from critical domestic issues that resonate more strongly with voters, potentially jeopardizing upcoming elections for Republican incumbents.

Looking ahead, the survey raises implications regarding how these shifts in public opinion could drastically shape election strategies for Trump's supporters while fostering debates around his dual focus on foreign policy successes and domestic shortcomings.