A new national poll shows most Americans blame President Donald Trump (R-FL) for the recent rise in gasoline prices [1], [2].
This trend suggests a growing disconnect between the administration's economic narrative and the lived experience of voters as fuel costs soar. The shift in public opinion comes as the U.S. navigates the economic fallout of recent geopolitical instability.
According to data from CNN analyst Harry Enten, 77 percent of Americans blamed Trump for high gas prices following the launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran in February [2]. This figure is echoed in reports from ABC News, the Washington Post, and Ipsos [1]. Other data indicates a slightly different intensity of blame; a poll summarized by The Hill found that 51 percent of respondents blame Trump "a lot" for the prices [3].
Gasoline prices have exceeded $5 per gallon in some parts of the country [4]. This surge is attributed to broader inflation concerns and the military operation launched earlier this year [1], [5]. Despite these numbers, Trump said gas prices are "not very high" [4].
The dissatisfaction extends across party lines, including a majority of Republicans [1], [2]. The polling also reflects a broader decline in the president's popularity, with his overall disapproval rating reaching 62 percent [1].
The disparity in poll results, ranging from 51 percent to 77 percent, highlights varying levels of intensity in how voters assign responsibility for the cost of fuel [1], [3]. However, the consensus across multiple surveys remains that a majority of the electorate holds the president accountable for the surge.
“Seventy-seven percent of Americans blamed Trump for high gas prices following the launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran in February.”
The alignment of high fuel costs with a specific military operation, Operation Epic Fury, has created a direct causal link in the minds of many voters. When a majority of a president's own party blames the administration for a primary economic pain point, it typically indicates a vulnerability in political support that transcends standard partisan loyalty.
