The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, conducted May 14-18, 2026, shows that Republicans remain largely supportive of President Donald Trump on immigration and the Iran war, but their satisfaction with his economic stewardship has declined significantly since the military conflict began in February.
About 6 in 10 Republicans said they approve of how Trump is handling the economy, according to the survey. That represents a drop from roughly 8 in 10 in February, before the United States launched sustained military operations against Iran. The AP-NORC poll found that Republican approval on immigration remains higher than on the economy, though the survey did not release a specific figure for immigration approval in its top-line abstract.
MSI previously reported on the poll’s initial finding that Republicans’ economic approval had slipped. Read more.
The erosion on the economy aligns with the broader price pressures generated by the Iran war. Fuel costs and other war-related expenses have risen since February, cutting into household budgets for many Americans. While Republicans express economic unease, the poll indicates that the party’s loyalty to the president on the war itself has not yet fractured.
The survey of Republicans is part of the ongoing AP-NORC polling series that has tracked Trump’s approval across a range of issues throughout his second term.