Story perspectives

Trump’s Economy Approval Drops to 30% Amid $4 Gas Prices

4/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s economic approval fell to 30 percent in the 2026 AP-NORC poll.
One-quarter of U.S. adults approve his cost-of-living handling, with his job approval at 33 percent, Republican approval at 62 percent (AP-NORC) and 77 percent (CNBC), and 90 percent of Republicans backing him.
The Iran war has pushed gasoline prices above $4 per gallon, with 48 percent of Americans feeling less safe and a majority saying the conflict is not worth its cost.

History

Historical Context

After OAPEC’s October 1973 oil embargo—prompted by U.S. support for Israel—oil prices jumped from $3 to $5 per barrel, spurring gasoline costs to rise 43% and a sharp recession that led Nixon’s administration to create strategic reserves and the International Energy Agency. Again in 2026, a fuel crisis drove U.S. gasoline prices sharply higher, reviving public anxiety.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s economic approval fell to 30 percent in the 2026 AP-NORC poll.
One-quarter of U.S. adults approve his cost-of-living handling, with his job approval at 33 percent, Republican approval at 62 percent (AP-NORC) and 77 percent (CNBC), and 90 percent of Republicans backing him.
The Iran war has pushed gasoline prices above $4 per gallon, with 48 percent of Americans feeling less safe and a majority saying the conflict is not worth its cost.

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