Over 7 in 10 Americans Want Congress to End the Iran War. Half of Republicans Agree.
Nearly three in four Americans want Congress to pass legislation ending President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, including a narrow majority of Republicans, as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers following last week’s midterm elections.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of Americans support congressional action to end the conflict, which the United States launched alongside Israel in February. That includes 93% of Democrats and 51% of Republicans.
The findings come after Democrats won control of the House and Senate in the Nov. 3 elections, securing their largest congressional majorities since at least 2008. The new Congress will take office on Jan. 3, giving Democrats control of the legislative agenda during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
The four-day survey, conducted Nov. 6-9, also found that 62% of Americans support repealing tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported goods.
Both issues have become closely tied to household finances. The war has driven fuel prices higher, while tariffs on hundreds of imported products have added to consumer costs. Trump has defended the military campaign as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and maintains that tariffs protect American businesses from foreign competition.
Living expenses are the leading concern among respondents, with nine in 10 saying Congress should prioritize the cost of living during its first 100 days. Immigration reform, climate change and artificial intelligence regulation attracted less support as immediate priorities.
Trump’s ratings on economic issues were particularly weak. The Ipsos survey found that only 21% of Americans approve of his handling of their cost of living, while 72% disapprove. His rating on inflation was lower still, with 19% approving and 73% disapproving.
His handling of the Iran conflict received 26% approval and 62% disapproval. Among Republicans, however, 59% approved of his approach to Iran, despite 51% supporting congressional legislation to end the war.
The distinction is significant: support for ending the conflict does not necessarily mean respondents disapprove of every aspect of Trump’s handling of it.
On the broader economy, the president received 25% approval, while 67% disapproved. His overall job approval stood at 32%, with 65% disapproving, according to the published polling data.
Democratic leaders have pledged to address rising household expenses and pursue legislation to end the war. Many have also supported overturning Trump’s import tariffs.
However, winning control of Congress does not give Democrats unrestricted authority over presidential policy. Trump retains the power to veto legislation, and overriding a veto requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
The survey also showed that Americans want the two parties to work together despite their differences. Large majorities of Democrats and Republicans said Trump should make an effort to cooperate with Democratic leaders and that the incoming congressional majority should do the same.
That preference did not extend to every possible action against the president. Some 42% of respondents said an attempt by the new Congress to impeach Trump would be bad for the country, compared with 33% who considered it a positive step. The remaining respondents were uncertain or did not provide an answer.
Congressional Democrats have been divided over how aggressively to pursue impeachment proceedings against Trump and members of his administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also facing an expected House impeachment vote this week following an initiative by a Republican lawmaker.
Trump has indicated he could work with Democrats following their electoral victories, although he has also elevated Stephen Miller, a senior adviser known for his confrontational approach to immigration and Democratic opponents, to White House chief of staff.
The poll found neither political party enjoyed majority favorability despite the Democrats’ election victories. About 45% of Americans viewed Democrats favorably, compared with 51% who held an unfavorable opinion. Republicans fared worse, with 35% favorable and 60% unfavorable.
