Trump's Approval Drops Amid Gas Prices, Iran War

President Donald Trump's approval ratings have plummeted amid rising gasoline prices and the ongoing war with Iran. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 77% of registered voters blame him for the recent surge in gas prices, which has become a significant issue ahead of the November midterm elections.

The poll, conducted from April 15-20, revealed that 58% of voters would be less likely to support candidates who back Trump's approach to the conflict with Iran. The war, which began in February after U.S. and Israeli surprise attacks on Iran, has disrupted roughly a fifth of global oil trade, driving gas prices up to about $4 per gallon.

The rising costs are straining household finances and jeopardizing Republicans' chances in the midterm elections. According to Reuters, top White House officials and Republican strategists held secret meetings this week to devise strategies for winning in November as Trump's approval rating sinks.

Polls also indicate a significant erosion in the Republican Party's longstanding economic advantage. The latest survey showed a one-point advantage for Republicans over Democrats on economic issues, down from 14 points immediately after Trump started his second term in January 2025. Meanwhile, an AP-NORC poll found that many key groups that helped elect Trump are increasingly dissatisfied with his performance.

The war with Iran shows no signs of imminent resolution, and the costs of the conflict may persist at home. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated gasoline prices might not fall below $3 per gallon until next year, though Trump later dismissed this assessment as 'totally wrong.' The midterm elections are shaping up to be a challenge for Republicans as they grapple with the fallout from the war and rising gas prices.

With Trump's approval rating at 36%, his lowest of the term, Republicans are recalibrating their strategy. According to TimesLIVE, Republican strategists held a closed-door meeting to discuss promoting Trump's policies while minimizing his personal focus in the campaign. The strategy aims to leverage Trump's turnout power without making races a referendum on an increasingly unpopular president.

The meeting included top conservative campaign officials and Trump's political advisers, who outlined a plan for candidates to promote Republicans' tax cuts and inflation-fighting policies. However, there are concerns among some Republican operatives that Trump's sagging political fortunes could hurt candidates in competitive congressional races. The mood at the meeting was optimistic, with predictions of Republican victories, but details leaked immediately.

Critics argue Trump's administration showed little consideration for Iran's response to the joint U.S.-Israeli attack or the vast economic fallout, including an unprecedented global energy supply shock and the threat of a worldwide financial downturn. Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for both Democratic and Republican administrations, stated that Iran believes it holds leverage with the vital oil shipment channel and can endure more economic pain than Trump.