Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s approval ratings have hit a new low, according to a new Gallup Poll. The April 28-30 survey reveals that only 37 percent of Americans view Rumsfeld favorably, which is five percentage points lower than his previous rating in a poll barely four month earlier. Some 57 percent view Rumsfeld unfavorably—an increase of 12 points over a December 2005 survey.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
