The American public is pointing the finger at President Donald Trump for the current surge in gas prices at a rate higher than any of his three immediate predecessors, according to recent polling data analyzed by CNN’s Harry Enten.
Following the February 28 launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, 77% of Americans now blame the President for the pain at the pump. This figure surpasses the previous highs of 71% for George W. Bush in 2005, 70% for Joe Biden, and 64% for Barack Obama.
“Trump is getting blamed more to a historic degree,” Enten noted during a Friday segment.
The surge in fuel costs follows a dual blockade on the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global oil—where the U.S. Navy has blocked Iranian ports while Tehran has retaliated by seizing vessels. Since the conflict began, gas prices have jumped by more than 47%.
READ: Drill, Export, Repeat: Why Record U.S. Oil Production Isn’t Lowering Your Gas Bill
As of Friday, AAA reports the national average for a gallon of regular gas sits at $4.39. While this remains below the $5.01 peak seen during the Biden administration in 2022, the speed and political context of the current hike have triggered a rare moment of bipartisan consensus.
Data from Reuters reveals that 55% of Republicans and 82% of independents hold the President responsible. Enten highlighted the rarity of these numbers, stating, “That is the highest ever blame for gas prices from one’s own party. Rarely do you get the trifecta of the majority across the political spectrum agreeing on something. But here you have it.”
The economic fallout appears to be shifting the public’s view of the administration’s foreign policy. According to CNBC data cited by Enten, 64% of Americans do not believe the war in Iran is worth the trade-off of higher energy costs, compared to 34% who support the effort despite the price hike.
READ :Strait Jacket On Supply: Gas Prices Tick Higher As Hormuz Standoff Drags On
This shift in sentiment stands in contrast to the 2024 election cycle, where exit polls showed voters trusted Trump over Kamala Harris to manage the economy.
Current snapshots tell a different story; an NBC News Decision Desk poll found that 63% of participants now disapprove of the President’s economic handling.
Furthermore, a CNN/SSRS survey placed his economic approval at a record low of 31%, while recent Napolitan News Service polling suggests a majority of Americans now trust Democrats over Republicans to manage the nation’s finances.
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