Fuel and Food Prices Rise, Trump's Rural Support Hits New Low

(CNA, Washington, 14th - International News Summary) The latest public opinion poll shows that former President Trump's approval rating in rural areas of the United States has dropped to a new low of 50%, impacted by rising fuel and food prices.

According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from June 3 to June 8, Trump's support in rural areas fell to 50% in June. In contrast, his rural approval stood at 60% shortly after taking office in February 2025.

The poll, which surveyed 4,531 adults nationwide, was conducted online, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points in rural areas and 2 percentage points for the overall U.S. population.

The poll also indicates that overall approval for Trump has declined to around 35%, nearing the lowest point of his political career, as most Americans express concern over rising oil prices exacerbated by the Iran conflict.

The decline in rural support stems from dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the cost of living and economic management. Only 31% of rural respondents approve of Trump's approach to these issues, while 61% disapprove.

In February 2025, approximately 45% of rural respondents approved of Trump's handling of cost-of-living issues, compared to 43% who disapproved.

Federal government data suggests rural Americans may face a sharper impact from higher fuel prices, as they drive longer distances on average than their urban counterparts. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2022 National Household Travel Survey, rural residents travel an average of 30 miles (48 km) daily by vehicle, compared to 17 miles (27 km) for urban residents.

Additional factors affecting rural support include a difficult year for farmers, who face rising fertilizer costs intensified by the Iran war, low crop prices, and suppressed exports due to Trump's trade wars.

Diesel prices in several states have reached record highs, threatening the slim profit margins of farmers and fishermen. Some fishermen are choosing to keep their boats docked rather than spend tens of thousands of dollars on fuel.