Two months into the U.S. military conflict with Iran, a new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority of Americans are critical of the Trump administration's approach. The poll, conducted in late April 2026, shows that 58% of U.S. adults disapprove of the administration's handling of the situation, while 38% approve.
The survey highlights a sharp partisan divide: 82% of Republicans approve of the administration's actions, compared to just 12% of Democrats. Independents are more evenly split, with 44% approving and 51% disapproving.
Concerns about the conflict's duration and cost are widespread. 67% of Americans say the military engagement has lasted longer than expected, and 61% express worry about the financial toll on the U.S. economy. Additionally, 55% believe the administration has not clearly articulated its goals for the conflict.
The poll also indicates that 52% of Americans think the U.S. should seek a diplomatic resolution, while 43% favor continuing military operations until Iran agrees to nuclear negotiations. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
