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Trump Plans Hormuz Blockade as Oil Hits $100, Approval Plummets

4/30/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump met oil executives to plan a months-long Hormuz blockade, a move that has pushed world oil above $100 a barrel and driven U.S. gasoline to $4.23 per gallon.
Oxford Economics warned higher energy costs will raise U.S. inflation and cut GDP growth to 1.9 percent.
Public approval of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living fell to 22 percent, the lowest since he took office.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC imposed an oil embargo on the United States, driving crude prices from $3 to $12 per barrel and prompting President Richard Nixon to ask gasoline stations to limit weekend sales, creating lines. The shock showed how cutting supply could spark inflation and political backlash, a lesson echoed today as U.S. leaders consider oil-flow restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump met oil executives to plan a months-long Hormuz blockade, a move that has pushed world oil above $100 a barrel and driven U.S. gasoline to $4.23 per gallon.
Oxford Economics warned higher energy costs will raise U.S. inflation and cut GDP growth to 1.9 percent.
Public approval of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living fell to 22 percent, the lowest since he took office.

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