Voter Sentiment: Majority Blame Trump for Rising Gas Prices in the U.S.

Original article: La boleta del imperialismo: mayoría de votantes culpa a Trump por alza de la bencina en EE.UU.

The majority of U.S. voters hold the Trump administration largely responsible for the recent surge in gas prices across the nation.

In a survey conducted by Quinnipiac University with 1,028 registered voters, 51% pointed to the U.S. President as the primary cause of the increase.

Additionally, 14% of respondents partially attribute the rise to the Republican magnate, which has been significantly linked to the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, affected by its impact on oil production and distribution in the global market.

Gas Prices Spike in April Across the U.S.

According to records from the American Automobile Association (AAA), since early April, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline—approximately 3.78 liters—has exceeded $4 (about $1.06 per liter), a price not seen since 2022.

In January, just before Washington and Tel Aviv started their military actions against Tehran, the average national price of regular gasoline was $2.81 per gallon (around $0.75 per barrel).

The occupant of the White House has attempted to soothe concerns, assuring citizens that the rise in gas prices is a temporary and situational issue due to the conflict with the Islamic nation.

However, Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned on Sunday that even if the war ended quickly, Americans could face months of challenges concerning fuel supply.

In an interview with CNN, he acknowledged that gas prices might remain high through the rest of 2026.

When asked when the average gas price might drop below $3 per gallon (around $0.80 per liter), he simply replied: «I don’t know. It could happen later this year.»

Voter Perceptions of Trump’s Responsibility

According to the survey reported by Independent en Español, perceptions of responsibility for the price increase vary based on political affiliation.

Thus, 91% of Democratic voters blame Trump’s government significantly, while only 9% of Republican voters support this view.

In contrast, 53% of Republican voters stated they do not hold the magnate accountable at all.

Conversely, for a significant number of independent voters, the far-right former president—who promised to lower fuel prices by promoting U.S. energy—remains «largely» or «somewhat» responsible for the increase in gas prices.

Although in late February, when the U.S. and Israel began bombings against Iran, the Republican claimed the military operation would last four to five weeks, the conflict continues nearly two months later, with the Islamic nation having blocked the Strait of Hormuz—a strategic waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied gas passes—in response to the attacks.

According to Independent in Spanish, if gas prices continue to rise during the summer and into the fall, voters who supported Trump in 2024 might turn away in the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for November.