Poll: Republicans’ gas price problem is even worse than it seems
Politics — 2026-07-24 04:00:00 — www.politico.com
Trump Downplays Political Impact of Gas Prices as Americans Overestimate Increases
President Trump has dismissed concerns that the upcoming midterm elections will influence his approach to the ongoing war with Iran, stating, “I can’t think about that having to do with this. I think people are very impressed.” This posture of indifference comes as Americans across the country report feeling significant pain at the pump, with perceptions of gas price increases far outpacing the reality.
Public Perception vs. Reality
According to new polling and data analysis, three in five Americans believe gas prices in their area have risen by more than they actually have since Trump took office. Despite these perceptions, no zip code has seen an average increase of $3.00 or more per gallon in the past year and a half. Nevertheless, roughly one in four Americans say gas in their area has risen by that amount, highlighting a widespread overestimation.
This disconnect is not limited to one political group: 54 percent of Trump voters and 70 percent of Harris voters overestimated the increase in gas prices, according to the analysis. These misperceptions are fueling voter frustration and could play a significant role in the upcoming elections.
Trump Administration’s Response
The White House, through spokesperson Taylor Rogers, has argued that President Trump and his energy team “anticipated these temporary market disruptions, communicated them openly to the American people, and implemented an aggressive plan to mitigate any impacts.” The administration claims that as the U.S. military targets Iran’s ability to disrupt energy flows, oil and gas prices will eventually return to pre-conflict levels.
Despite these assurances, the data shows that Americans’ views on gas prices remain stubbornly high even as prices have dipped from their peak. The average price of gas reached $4.50 per gallon in May, the highest of Trump’s presidency, before falling to $3.78 in July. Yet, more than 75 percent of Americans still reported that prices had increased, and nearly a quarter believed the jump was $3.00 or more.
Political Implications
Trump’s professed indifference to the political fallout of high gas prices stands in contrast to the anxiety many voters feel. Nearly half of Americans say gas prices will impact how they vote in November, with significant numbers considering switching parties. The perception of rising gas prices is closely tied to broader economic pessimism, with 57 percent of Americans saying the cost of living is worse than they can ever remember.
A plurality of Americans—43 percent—blame Trump more than Biden for the current state of the economy, a view especially prevalent among those who overestimate local gas price increases.
Conclusion
As the midterms approach, President Trump’s dismissal of the political consequences of high gas prices may be at odds with the lived experiences and perceptions of many Americans. With economic anxieties running high and public misperceptions about gas prices widespread, the issue is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping voter behavior this fall.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/24/poll-gas-prices-republicans-midterms-trump-01008868