Trump Dismisses $4.53 Gas as Peanuts as Economic Approval Sinks to 37%

5 articles · Updated · Newsweek · May 20

$4.53-a-gallon gasoline drew Trump's dismissal as "peanuts" on Tuesday, with the president saying he is focused on stopping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon rather than on near-term consumer pain.
A new New York Times/Siena poll put Trump's approval at 37%, with 59% disapproving; roughly two-thirds rejected his handling of the economy and cost of living, and only about a quarter approved of his inflation response.
Polling averages from the Times, CNN and Nate Silver show similar readings near 38% approval and a net rating around minus 20, suggesting the slide is sustained rather than a one-off survey result.
Iran-war supply disruptions have kept fuel near $4.50 and raised fears of broader inflation through transport and production costs, leaving little immediate relief for households ahead of the 2026 midterms.

With gas prices soaring, is the U.S. economy heading for a conflict-induced recession?

What diplomatic path exists to reopen the world's most critical oil chokepoint and avert a wider war?

After initial strikes failed, what would a successful U.S. military endgame in Iran even look like?