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Trump Approval Falls to 34% Amid $4 Gas, Hormuz Blockade

4/29/2026

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Left

Trump Blockade Fallout

President Donald Trump's approval slipped to 34% as the blockade pushes U.S. gasoline prices above $4 per gallon.
Energy executives met with President Donald Trump to plan a months-long blockade of Iranian ports while limiting U.S. consumer impact.
The United Nations and dozens of nations urged immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned $170 million daily losses as VP JD Vance may mediate.

Right

Trump Plans Blockade

President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image with an AK-47 and slogan “No more Mr. Nice Guy!” on Truth Social.
Energy executives met with President Donald Trump to plan a months-long blockade of Iranian ports while protecting U.S. consumers.
House committee scheduled a hearing on budget, proposing a $1.5 trillion spend on Iran war.
Susan Collins, Thom Tillis and John Curtis said not support extending war beyond 60-day deadline.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Left coverage emphasised the United Nations and dozens of nations urging an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a detail absent from Right coverage.
Left coverage also highlighted the domestic economic fallout, noting Trump’s approval dropping to 34% and U.S. gasoline prices rising above $4 per gallon, which Right coverage did not mention.

History

Historical Context

During the October 1973 OAPEC oil embargo, OPEC nations—including Saudi Arabia and Iran—cut output, causing U.S. gasoline prices to jump 43 % and crude to rise from $3 to $12 per barrel by 1974. The shock spurred Nixon’s energy-independence push and showed how supply cuts can damage approval ratings. Today, Trump and energy executives cite that precedent while planning a Strait of Hormuz blockade.

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Trump Blockade Fallout

President Donald Trump's approval slipped to 34% as the blockade pushes U.S. gasoline prices above $4 per gallon.
Energy executives met with President Donald Trump to plan a months-long blockade of Iranian ports while limiting U.S. consumer impact.
The United Nations and dozens of nations urged immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned $170 million daily losses as VP JD Vance may mediate.

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