AI Image
Trump approval rating sank as gas prices rose, analysis finds
USA Today • • business
Key Points:
- Voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress over high gas prices and the cost of living significantly contributed to Democratic gains in the November 3 midterm elections.
- On Election Day, the national average gas price was $4.14 per gallon, the highest for any election day since 1994, reflecting widespread voter concern about fuel costs.
- Polls showed that over 70% of registered voters disapproved of Trump's handling of gas prices, inflation, and the cost of living, contributing to his net approval rating dropping nearly 20 percentage points since early 2023.
- Trump acknowledged that the war on Iran, which began in late February, played a role in driving up gas prices and impacting Republican election performance, but defended the conflict as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- Analysts noted a correlation between rising fuel costs and Trump's declining approval ratings, highlighting the economic issues as a key factor in the midterm election outcomes.
