Story perspectives

Trump 40% Approval, Economy Pessimism Peaks, Gas Hits $3.98

7/18/2026

Summary

Trump Disapproval

A CNBC poll July 8-12 gave President Donald Trump 40% approval and 59% disapproval.
The poll showed 61% of Americans pessimistic about the economy, the highest since December 2023.
American Automobile Association (AAA) said U.S. average gasoline price rose to $3.98 per gallon, 10 cents above a week earlier.
Reuters/Ipsos poll June 12-15 gave Trump 36% overall approval, 24% cost-of-living approval, and 59% expected gas prices to rise because of the Iran war.

Summary

Trump Claims Deflation

On July 15, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that inflation is down and declared “MAGA”.
On July 14, he told reporters inflation was down and that Biden left the worst inflation in 48 years.
Trump dismissed “affordability” as a fake word invented by Democrats.
Critics said Trump either misunderstands his policies or lies.
Social-media users noted his habit of crediting price cuts like Walmart’s while blaming Democrats for hardships.

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Trump Disapproval

A CNBC poll July 8-12 gave President Donald Trump 40% approval and 59% disapproval.
The poll showed 61% of Americans pessimistic about the economy, the highest since December 2023.
American Automobile Association (AAA) said U.S. average gasoline price rose to $3.98 per gallon, 10 cents above a week earlier.
Reuters/Ipsos poll June 12-15 gave Trump 36% overall approval, 24% cost-of-living approval, and 59% expected gas prices to rise because of the Iran war.

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