Full Breakdown
Rural Colorado Voters Endure High Gas Prices to Back Trump’s Iran War
5/17/2026, 12:43:34 PM
On-the-Ground Economic Impact
In Wiggins, a farming town of about 1,400 residents in northeast Colorado, gasoline now sells for $4.34 per gallon—roughly 50 % higher than a year earlier when President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Residents such as Amy Van Duyn, 42, say a $36 fill-up now buys only half a tank, while co-worker Tonyah Bruyette notes that money that would have gone to groceries is being spent on fuel.
Why Voters Prioritize Nuclear Threat Over Cost
Despite the price surge, many locals say the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran outweighs the immediate economic strain. Interviews along Highway 52 reveal a shared belief that preventing Iran’s nuclear capability justifies higher gas bills. Jim Miller, a 65-year-old retired commodities broker, likens the sacrifice to wartime rationing, and Lexys Siebrands, 22, describes the conflict as inevitable and urges patience.
Official Statements & Responses
When asked whether Americans’ financial woes influence his approach to Tehran, President Trump answered, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” Democratic leaders seized the remark as evidence the administration is “losing touch with an anxious public.” A Reuters/Ipsos poll in May found only 30 % of U.S. adults approved of Trump’s handling of the economy.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics highlight that the war has driven fuel prices above $4.50 per gallon nationwide. Mike Urbanowicz, a 66-year-old grain-trading cooperative manager, called Trump “naive” about quickly lowering prices and warned that the high cost will persist even if peace talks succeed. Several interviewees also pointed to price spikes that began under former President Joe Biden, suggesting the current pain is not solely attributable to the Iran conflict.
Data & Statistics
- Gasoline price in Wiggins: $4.34 / gallon (? 50 % increase).
- Nationwide fuel price: > $4.50 / gallon.
- 8 in 10 Americans hold Trump responsible for higher gasoline prices (Reuters/Ipsos, April).
- Trump won Morgan County by a 49-point margin in the 2024 presidential election.
- 30 % approval of Trump’s economic management (May poll).
Verbatim Quotes
- “I used to fill my tank for $36,” — Amy Van Duyn, Wiggins resident.
- “that he is fighting for us.” — Tonyah Bruyette, Wiggins employee.
- “I struggle, like everybody else does, but I’m willing to sacrifice a little,” — Jim Miller, Prospect Valley retiree.
- “I voted for Trump because the alternative is so bad,” — Mike Urbanowicz, Roggen trader.
- “Something was going to happen eventually, whether it was Iran doing something to us or us doing it to them.” — Lexys Siebrands, Fort Morgan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources cite both a $4.34 price in Wiggins and a national level “past $4.50” figure, leaving the exact differential unclear. Poll data attributes blame for price hikes to Trump, yet local interviews reveal continued support, indicating a gap between national sentiment and rural voter attitudes. No independent analysis is provided on how the Iran war specifically influences fuel markets versus other factors.
What’s Next
The war with Iran remains unresolved, and U.S. officials have not indicated a timeline for de-escalation. As peace talks stall, fuel prices are expected to stay elevated through the fall, keeping the economic-security trade-off central to voter decision-making in Colorado’s rural counties.
