War Pushes Up Oil Prices, Trump Polls Slump: GOP Faces Massive Midterm Challenges
Soaring oil prices driven by the conflict with Iran have severely impacted President Trump's approval ratings. Dissatisfaction is growing even among the Republican base, signaling a difficult road ahead for the midterm elections.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 13:49
- 🔍 Collected: April 26, 2026 at 14:01 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 26, 2026 at 14:04 (3 min after Collected)
Washington Correspondent Hou Tzu-ying reporting.
Donald Trump is well aware of the situation. A few days ago, at an event in the Oval Office, he admitted that while the administration's measures to lower drug prices should have won them the midterms, 'unfortunately, that is not the case.'
Recent polls reflect a slide in Trump's support. The latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey shows that dissatisfaction with the war in Iran, high oil prices, and negative economic outlooks have pushed Trump's approval down to 40%, with disapproval rising to 58%. His net approval has hit -18, the lowest across his two presidential terms.
Even Fox News released a poll showing a majority of voters are unhappy with Trump's handling of the economy, inflation, Iran, and foreign policy. Approval for his handling of the Iran issue stands at only 37%.
Furthermore, a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that about 77% of registered voters believe Trump should bear considerable responsibility for the recent rise in oil prices, including 55% of Republicans and 82% of independents.
According to the poll, over half of the voters say they are unlikely to support candidates who embrace Trump's Iran policy in the November midterms. Paul Shumaker, a senior GOP strategist, noted that the midterms will revolve around 'anger management' and 'failed expectations.' Many voters who supported the GOP in 2024 expected economic solutions and inflation control, which have not materialized.
Observers note that many Americans find the war against Iran 'incomprehensible,' despite the administration's claims of legitimacy. For most citizens, the immediate concern is the cost of living. AAA data shows gas prices at $4.086 per gallon on April 25, up from $2.98 before the war began. White House officials maintain that Trump has been honest about the 'temporary volatility' caused by military action to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but whether voters will accept this remains to be seen in November.
Donald Trump is well aware of the situation. A few days ago, at an event in the Oval Office, he admitted that while the administration's measures to lower drug prices should have won them the midterms, 'unfortunately, that is not the case.'
Recent polls reflect a slide in Trump's support. The latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey shows that dissatisfaction with the war in Iran, high oil prices, and negative economic outlooks have pushed Trump's approval down to 40%, with disapproval rising to 58%. His net approval has hit -18, the lowest across his two presidential terms.
Even Fox News released a poll showing a majority of voters are unhappy with Trump's handling of the economy, inflation, Iran, and foreign policy. Approval for his handling of the Iran issue stands at only 37%.
Furthermore, a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that about 77% of registered voters believe Trump should bear considerable responsibility for the recent rise in oil prices, including 55% of Republicans and 82% of independents.
According to the poll, over half of the voters say they are unlikely to support candidates who embrace Trump's Iran policy in the November midterms. Paul Shumaker, a senior GOP strategist, noted that the midterms will revolve around 'anger management' and 'failed expectations.' Many voters who supported the GOP in 2024 expected economic solutions and inflation control, which have not materialized.
Observers note that many Americans find the war against Iran 'incomprehensible,' despite the administration's claims of legitimacy. For most citizens, the immediate concern is the cost of living. AAA data shows gas prices at $4.086 per gallon on April 25, up from $2.98 before the war began. White House officials maintain that Trump has been honest about the 'temporary volatility' caused by military action to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but whether voters will accept this remains to be seen in November.