On May 26, 2026, CNN reported that President Donald Trump is under growing pressure from both the public and members of his own Republican Party due to economic challenges, especially the surge in gasoline prices linked to the war in the Middle East.
Republican confidence: Analyst Harry Enten noted that while Republicans once strongly trusted Trump on inflation control, support has visibly declined.
Citizens complain that living costs continue to rise instead of falling as promised. Ongoing insecurity has disrupted global oil trade, pushing prices higher.
Trump’s administration insists that prices will drop once “Operation Epic Fury” concludes and shipping lanes in Hormuz stabilize.
However, energy analysts caution that even if transport routes reopen, repairing damaged oil and gas infrastructure could take weeks or even years.
One major gas terminal may take up to two years to rebuild.
Experts predict oil prices may not fall below $70 per barrel before 2032, keeping fuel costs high. Some warn U.S. gasoline could return to the 2022 peak of $5.02 per gallon if instability continues. Short-term dips in prices have been erased by renewed U.S. strikes in southern Iran, reigniting market fears.
Rising costs of living are becoming the top domestic concern for Americans.
Trump faces mounting political pressure as he prepares for further battles within his party and with voters over economic management.