Trump's Approval Underwater in Iowa Despite $15B Steel Plant, New Poll Shows
President Donald Trump's approval rating remains underwater in Iowa even as his administration announces a historic $15 billion steel plant for the state, according to new polling data from Civiqs. The tracker shows 55 percent of Iowa voters disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 36 percent approve, a net rating of minus 19.
The poll, based on 134,051 responses from registered voters collected between January 20, 2025, and October 3, 2026, covers all eight states selected for major economic investments under Trump's recent announcements. In every one of those states, more voters disapprove of the president than approve, though margins vary sharply.
What does the $15 billion steel plant mean for Iowa?
Last week, Trump announced that Minnesota-based Mesabi Metallics will build what is expected to become the largest steel plant in U.S. history in Iowa. The project is projected to create 1,750 permanent jobs in the state, according to a White House official speaking to CBS News.
The plant will use iron ore from a new mine in Nashwauk, Minnesota, which will be the state's first new iron ore mine in 50 years. That mine is expected to provide about 350 jobs in Minnesota's Iron Range, Mesabi Metallics said.
For Iowa, the steel plant represents a major economic boost, aligning with the state's strong manufacturing and agricultural heritage. However, the investment has yet to materialize into jobs or output, as the project remains in its early stages.
How does Trump's approval in Iowa compare to other states?
Iowa's net approval rating of minus 19 puts it in the middle of the eight states. Here's how the others stack up:
- Tennessee: minus 2
- South Carolina: minus 9
- Kentucky: minus 12
- Alaska: minus 15
- Ohio: minus 18
- Texas: minus 21
- Minnesota: minus 35
Trump won Iowa by more than 13 points in the 2024 presidential election, but his approval rating in the state has been underwater since May of last year, per Civiqs.
Why is Trump's approval rating negative in states getting investment?
The investment plans are still at varying stages of development, with some projects yet to be finalized. That means the economic benefits Trump is touting have not yet reached voters' wallets or communities.
In Alaska, for example, Trump announced a $54 billion LNG project backed by South Korea, but Seoul later said it had not committed to the project. Trump defended the announcement on Friday, saying he had not 'jumped the gun' and that if South Korea did not want to participate, he would 'just charge them more' through tariffs.
In Texas, a $22.3 billion gas-fired power plant backed by South Korea is planned for Encinal, intended to supply power directly to AI data centers. Yet 57 percent of Texas voters disapprove of Trump's performance.
These patterns suggest that while investment announcements generate headlines, they may not immediately shift public sentiment, especially when projects are unproven or face uncertainty.
What does this mean for Iowa's political landscape?
Iowa is not hosting a competitive Senate race this year, but the state's voters will still head to the polls in November's midterms. Trump's negative approval rating could influence down-ballot races and Republican messaging.
Nationally, several of the eight states are home to closely watched Senate races, including Alaska, Ohio, Texas, and Minnesota. For Republican candidates in those states, Trump's standing could shape how closely they align with the president on the campaign trail.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, unveiling details of the South Korean energy investments alongside Trump, named Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky as potential locations for eight 'gigantic nuclear power plants' under a combined $120 billion investment.
Will voter sentiment shift before Election Day?
With early voting already underway or set to begin soon in several states, upcoming polling will clarify whether these investment commitments are changing minds or whether Trump's approval ratings remain a headwind for Republican candidates.
Presidential approval ratings are not a direct measure of how voters will cast their ballots, but they offer a snapshot of the political climate heading into the midterms. For now, the data suggests that even in states poised to benefit from Trump's economic agenda, the president faces an uphill battle with voters.
FAQ
What is Trump's approval rating in Iowa?
According to Civiqs, 55 percent of Iowa voters disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 36 percent approve, giving him a net rating of minus 19.
What is the $15 billion steel plant in Iowa?
Mesabi Metallics will build what is expected to become the largest steel plant in U.S. history in Iowa, creating 1,750 permanent jobs. The plant will use iron ore from a new mine in Nashwauk, Minnesota.
Which states are getting major investments from Trump's administration?
The eight states are Alaska, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky. They are set to benefit from investments including a $200 billion South Korean package and a $15 billion steel project in Iowa.