63% of Americans Blame Trump for Gas Prices as 60% Disapprove of Iran War
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · May 11
63% of Americans Blame Trump for Gas Prices as 60% Disapprove of Iran War
5 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · May 11
A new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll found 63% of Americans blame President Donald Trump for high gas prices, while 60% disapprove of his handling of the war in Iran.
Gas averaged $4.48 a gallon versus $3.17 a year earlier after the Iran conflict disrupted oil exports and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, straining household budgets and broader supply chains.
Discontent reaches beyond Democrats: 22% of Republicans now disapprove of Trump's Iran handling, 32% of Republicans blame him at least substantially for gas prices, and 62% say he has weakened U.S. standing.
The political fallout is growing ahead of November, with Trump's overall approval at 37%, economic approval at 35%, and registered voters favoring a Democratic House candidate over a Republican by 52% to 42%.
As the Iran conflict's goals shift, what is the new long-term U.S. military strategy for the region?
With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, what is the next global supply chain chokepoint at risk of disruption?
Beyond temporary relief, what can protect global energy supplies from the impact of future regional conflicts?
Public Disapproval Surges as Trump Faces Backlash Over Iran War, High Gas Prices, and Economic Fallout in 2026
Overview
In early 2026, the escalation of conflict in Iran led to attacks on regional infrastructure and disrupted global oil supplies, causing a persistent energy crisis and sharply rising gas prices in the United States. This economic strain intensified public discontent, with a majority of Americans blaming President Trump for the high fuel costs and expressing disapproval of his economic leadership. As the war continued and the energy crisis deepened, even Republican voters began to question the administration’s actions, fueling broader political divisions and setting the stage for significant challenges in the upcoming midterm elections.