A new Fox News poll finds that 61 percent of voters view prices at the pump as a major problem, as people across the country are now paying, on average, more than $4.40 a gallon for regular gasoline. According to AAA, Thursday's national average for regular gasoline is $4.4386. Wednesday's average was $4.3672, last week's average was $4.2770 and last month's average was $4.0636.
The juxtaposition of the rising prices and the new poll underscores the ongoing affordability concerns weighing on Americans ahead of November. President Donald Trump has mentioned that the war with Iran will end after the midterms and has somewhat downplayed the rising gas prices and concerns about inflation. "It’s a very inexpensive price to pay for what we've done, remember that.
It’s a little more—frankly, even if it was a lot more, but that's going to come tumbling down," Trump said in North Carolina on Wednesday in part, while discussing the conflict and gasoline. His remarks come as registered voters are expressing financial hardship over fuel and more. The Fox News Poll shows that 61 percent say it is a major concern, an uptick from two years ago when 48 percent said it was a major issue.
Some farmers are slamming Trump over diesel prices, which hit $6.31 on Wednesday, per AAA data. Certain parts of California are seeing gas prices close in on or surpass $10 per gallon, leaving stations at a loss for how to display prices on their three-digit displays. Newsweek reached out to the White House via email on Thursday night for comment.
When asked if they think the Trump Administration has made the economy worse, better or no different, 63 percent of registered voters said worse. The poll shows that 73 percent of independents, 26 percent of Republicans and 95 percent of Democrats also think it is worse under Trump. Fifty-five percent think the Democrats would do a better job on inflation and prices compared to 40 percent who think Republicans would, the poll shows.
Thirty-four percent think the cost of living and inflation are the most important issue facing the nation right now and 14 percent said the economy and jobs. The president's overall approval rating hit 39 percent versus a 61 percent disapproval rating. His approval rating on inflation is 24 percent, matching his low with the pollster, compared to a 74 percent disapproval rating.
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