Trump Dismisses High Gas Prices as Voters Blame Him for Iran War Spike
President Donald Trump downplayed concerns regarding rising gasoline prices on April 16, 2026, stating they are 'not very high' despite a significant surge linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran. While Trump highlighted a rising stock market and the strategic necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, public sentiment remains largely negative. A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicates that 65% of registered voters hold Trump at least partially responsible for the price increases. Since the war began in late February 2026, average regular gasoline prices have jumped 49%, rising from approximately $2.75 to over $4.09 per gallon, while diesel prices have climbed to around $5.65. Although prices recently dropped slightly following a two-week ceasefire announcement, Trump’s approval rating for handling the economy has hit an all-time low of 38%. The President continues to defend his administration's actions, arguing that the economic impact is manageable compared to the potential disasters of a nuclear-armed Iran, even as Americans face heightened costs at the pump.
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Trump Dismisses High Gas Prices as Voters Blame Him for Iran War Spike
President Donald Trump downplayed concerns regarding rising gasoline prices on April 16, 2026, stating they are 'not very high' despite a significant surge linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran. While Trump highlighted a rising stock market and the strategic necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, public sentiment remains largely negative. A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicates that 65% of registered voters hold Trump at least partially responsible for the price increases. Since the war began in late February 2026, average regular gasoline prices have jumped 49%, rising from approximately $2.75 to over $4.09 per gallon, while diesel prices have climbed to around $5.65. Although prices recently dropped slightly following a two-week ceasefire announcement, Trump’s approval rating for handling the economy has hit an all-time low of 38%. The President continues to defend his administration's actions, arguing that the economic impact is manageable compared to the potential disasters of a nuclear-armed Iran, even as Americans face heightened costs at the pump.
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