Voters split on Trump as a “peace president,” but new polls show a bump after Gaza ceasefire
Fresh polling is testing the idea that President Donald Trump is a “peace president.” After brokering a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage deal, Trump has seen an uptick in approval on his handling of the Israel‑Hamas conflict. At the same time, Americans remain divided over his broader foreign‑policy record and skeptical about awarding him top peace honors.
A new AP‑NORC survey shows approval of Trump’s handling of the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict climbing to the high‑40s, up significantly from September. However, the same polling finds his overall job approval near 40%, with weak marks on the economy, health care, and immigration.
Coverage of the ceasefire also fueled commentary labeling Trump a “peace president,” a frame that resonated with supporters who credit his deal‑making and deadline‑driven negotiations. But a separate Washington Post/Ipsos poll in September found roughly three‑quarters of Americans saying Trump does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, underscoring how public opinion separates relief over a truce from long‑term judgments about his leadership.
Other trackers echo the split picture. Reuters/Ipsos has placed Trump’s overall approval near the low‑40s in recent weeks, reflecting ongoing voter anxiety about prices and growth. Analysts say any foreign‑policy bounce can be blunted by pocketbook concerns and partisan sorting at home.
Two caveats shape what happens next. First is durability: ceasefires in Gaza have often been fragile, and renewed violence could erase recent gains. Second is domestic headwinds: even dramatic events abroad rarely move overall approval for long if voters are unhappy with the economy.
For now, the data points to a modest gain for Trump on the specific question of Gaza—alongside persistent polarization on his presidency overall. If the truce holds and more hostages return, the bump could grow. If implementation stalls or violence re‑erupts, the glow may fade fast.
