Despite High Gas Prices Lowering Trump's Approval, Colorado Voters Still Support Him, Prioritizing Preventing a Nuclear Iran

WIGGINS, Colo., May 16 (Reuters) - The war with Iran has caused a global spike in oil prices, leading to a decline in U.S. President Trump's approval ratings due to soaring consumer fuel costs. However, in this small rural town in Colorado, Trump still has a dedicated base of supporters who would rather endure temporary high gas prices than allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. According to Reuters, Trump's political fortunes appear to be waning nationwide. His war against Iran has pushed gas prices above $4.50 a gallon across the country. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last month found that nearly 80% of Americans believe the president is responsible for the price increase. In Wiggins, a small agricultural town in northeastern Colorado with a population of just 1,400, the majority of residents remain enthusiastic supporters of Trump. In 2024, Trump won the nearby Morgan County by a margin of 49 percentage points. Currently, gasoline in Wiggins costs $4.34 a gallon, about 50% higher than when Trump returned to the White House. 'I used to fill my tank for $36, and now $36 only gets me half a tank,' said 42-year-old resident Van Duyn in an interview. When asked this week if Americans' economic struggles would prompt him to make a deal with Iran, Trump responded, 'I'm not thinking about the financial situation of Americans. When it comes to Iran, my only focus is: they cannot have a nuclear weapon.' Democrats quickly seized on Trump's remarks, portraying his administration as out of touch with anxious citizens. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll in May, only 30% of American adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy, which has traditionally been his political strong suit. Along Colorado State Highway 52, flanked by barns, ranches, and oil wells, AFP interviewed more than 20 Trump supporters who echoed the president's view, preferring to suffer from high gas prices than to see Iran possess nuclear weapons. Voters in Morgan and Weld counties have not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964. Voters here are willing to pay more for gas as long as it eliminates the potential nuclear threat from Iran. Many also point out that gas prices soared during the Biden administration as well. Some here support Trump reluctantly because they cannot accept the Democratic Party; others believe the president will find a way to bring prices down. This situation highlights the solid connection between Trump and his base, which has allowed him to weather multiple crises during his two terms. Jyl Siebrands, 49, said in an interview that she hates high gas prices but is more afraid of Tehran having nuclear weapons. 'Something is bound to happen with Iran sooner or later. War with Iran is inevitable.' When asked if there was a line, something that would shake her confidence in Trump's handling of the war or economic policy, she said, 'No line. I fully support him.' (Compiled by: Chi Chin-ling) 1150517