Trump’s Firm Iran Policy Faces Partisan Criticism Despite Strong Republican Support, AP-NORC Poll Shows
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A June poll shows that while overall approval of President Trump’s Iran strategy remains steady, Republicans continue to back his tough stance, even as Democrats and independents push back.
A new AP-NORC poll conducted June 11-17 found that 34% of U.S. adults approve of President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, maintaining the same level as in May. Overall presidential approval also held steady at 37%, demonstrating the president’s consistent support base despite relentless partisan opposition.
The survey reveals that 65% of respondents disapprove of Trump’s handling of Iran, a figure heavily influenced by Democrats and independents who have long opposed his efforts to hold Iran accountable. Among Republicans, however, only 28% expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting the party’s strong backing for Trump’s decisive foreign policy.
The poll was conducted shortly after Trump announced a significant deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the U.S. naval blockade, and restart nuclear negotiations with Tehran. The agreement, which allows Iran to sell oil for two months in exchange for reducing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, demonstrates Trump’s willingness to negotiate from a position of strength while protecting American interests.
Public reaction to the deal was divided. A Republican-leaning independent from Texas criticized the focus on the strait rather than the nuclear threat, calling the concession “fluff.” Another independent from Texas voiced frustration that the original goal of removing the Iranian regime remains unfulfilled, reflecting the desire among many for a tougher approach.
More than half of respondents (53%) said U.S. military action against Iran had “gone too far,” a slight decrease from earlier this year. Among Republicans, 40% felt the action was “about right,” while 37% believed it had not gone far enough, showing a clear appetite for a firmer response to Iranian aggression.
Trump’s approval ratings on Israel and the economy also stood at about one-third, but among Republicans, support for his economic policies remained robust at 69%, only slightly below the 78% who approve of his overall presidency, underscoring the president’s enduring popularity within his own party.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 3,040 adults using the AmeriSpeak panel, a probability-based sample designed to represent the U.S. population, with a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points.