48% of Americans blame Trump for high gas prices — more than any other factor

Emily Peck

Pres. Trump at the White House East Room — President Trump in the White House earlier this month; Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Americans are growing increasingly concerned with rising gas prices, and about half are blaming President Trump, per flash polling conducted Wednesday night by Morning Consult and shared with Axios.

Why it matters: The spike in oil prices caused by the war is fast becoming a political liability for the White House — and threatening economic growth in the U.S.

By the numbers: 74% of Americans say gas prices have increased this year, per the survey.

That's up 30 points from six weeks ago, the last time the polling firm surveyed on this question.
Morning Consult surveyed 1,002 U.S. adults online, and weighted the data to reflect demographics. There's a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.

Friction point: When asked who is most responsible for current gas prices, 48% said the president and his administration.

That was followed by 16% who pointed at oil and gas companies, 13% who blamed global market forces and 11% who cited former President Biden.

Between the lines: Low gas prices had been a bright spot for the administration, says Kyle Dropp, president of Morning Consult.

"Now it's not."

Zoom out: Gas prices have been rising for the past 11 days — and are up more than 20% on average for a gallon of regular from last month, per AAA data.

Gas is currently $3.60 per gallon — from $2.95 a month ago.

The other side: The administration says once the conflict subsides, prices will fall.

"President Trump has been clear that these are short-term disruptions. Ultimately, once the military objectives are completed and the Iranian terrorist regime is neutralized, oil and gas prices will drop rapidly again, potentially even lower than before the strikes begin," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Axios in an email.

What he's saying: "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money," Trump posted Thursday morning.

"BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I won't ever let that happen!"