Trump’s Rural Support Slips as Iran War Pushes Up Costs, Fueling Deal Talk

A new Reuters-Ipsos poll published this week suggests a possible reason Donald Trump has recently softened his posture toward Iran. As the war with Iran sent gasoline prices higher and intensified fears about the cost of living, Trump’s support among rural Americans, long one of his strongest bases, fell to 50%, the lowest level since the start of his current term.

The report says the main source of frustration is not immigration, security, or Washington politics, but household expenses. Only 31% of rural respondents said they were satisfied with Trump’s handling of the economy and inflation, while 61% said they were dissatisfied. Food prices kept rising, and farmers across the United States faced higher production and transport costs.

The poll also captured the mood on the ground. Brian Rauch of Montana, who said he voted for Trump in each of the last three presidential elections, said he is paying more for fuel and groceries and does not see justification for continuing the war against Iran. Other voters warned that if the economic pressure continues, Republicans could pay a heavy price in the midterm congressional elections.

In the days after those numbers emerged, Washington began sending more calming messages and signaling greater willingness to reach understandings with Tehran and avoid further escalation. The White House has not publicly linked the polling to its Iran policy, but the timing has drawn attention because the economic impact of the war appears to be hitting the heart of Trump’s electoral base.