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By Joshua Sammons
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Gas prices have climbed to a national average of $4.48 per gallon, putting fuel costs back in the political conversation as the U.S. approaches the November midterm elections.
The increase comes after President Donald Trump repeatedly said gas prices would "come tumbling down," prompting questions from Newsweek readers about who is responsible for rising prices and how the current situation compares with previous administrations.
Oil prices have also been closely watched amid the U.S.-Iran war, which has contributed to uncertainty in global energy markets and the outlook for oil supplies.
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Despite the backlash, Trump has said higher gas is a small price to pay for a non-nuclear Iran, that prices will fall swiftly once the conflict ends, and that he still boasts a better record on fuel affordability than Joe Biden.
Newsweek readers have differing views on the issue. One argues that today's gas prices look less alarming when compared with inflation-adjusted prices from the Biden years, while another argues that Trump should take responsibility for rising fuel costs.
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Readers React to Rising Gas Prices
Original Article: The $6 Price Tag on Trump’s Tough Talk About Putin’s Russia
What To Know: One year after Trump was talking tough on Russian oil, the president had a very different message for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia," Trump said Sunday. "That’s hurting the world!" The comments came as prices hit $6 a gallon.
Reader Comment: "True leaders take responsibility for that which they can control. Harry S. Truman famously had a plaque on his desk: The Buck Stops Here. And then we have a "president" that blames everyone and everything else on others. It is a sign of immaturity, and worse." Everybodyhasone
Why It Stood Out: This reader raises the question of how much responsibility a president should take for issues affecting consumers. Their comment focuses on the expectation that presidents should take ownership of the issues they can directly influence.
Original Article: Map Shows States With Above-Average Gas Prices as Trump Talks Them Down
What To Know: Gas prices have been rising in many countries since February. Drivers in California are paying the highest price for gasoline in the U.S., at a statewide average of $6.19 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Reader Comment: "This headline sounds a lot worse until you adjust the numbers for inflation. The national average for regular gas in 2022 under Biden was $4.52 a gallon after adjusting for inflation. AAA currently has the national average at about $4.37. That means gas today is actually about 15 cents cheaper than the 2022 Biden average after accounting for inflation.
"Funny how that little detail changes the headline, doesn’t it? Comparing raw dollar amounts from different years while ignoring inflation gives readers a pretty distorted picture. Put both prices in the same dollars and the comparison looks very different." Truth Republic
Why It Stood Out: This reader challenges the way today's gas prices are being compared with those of previous years. They argue that today’s prices look more favorable than under past administrations.
On Trump’s Approval Ratings
Original Article: Map of Trump Approval Rating in Biggest Farming States as Diesel Costs Soar
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What To Know: While diesel prices have soared, the president’s approval rating is underwater in the nation’s largest farm states, with November's midterms just weeks away.
Reader Comment: "Who didn’t see this coming? Farmers and ranchers voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump and now they’re getting exactly what they voted for. They just didn’t think it would happen to them. You’re supposed to be going after the other guy, not us." OnTheYoungerSide
Why It Stood Out: This reader focuses on the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers and ranchers, a group that has been an important part of Trump's political support base, and questions whether rising costs could change how some voters view the administration.
Farmers Criticize Trump Over Diesel Costs
Original Article: Farmers Slam Trump Over Record Diesel Prices: ‘We Just Can’t Survive’
What To Know: Trump had enjoyed the support of farmers prior to and immediately after the 2024 election, but his popularity with this group has remained shaky since returning to office.
Reader Comment: "Are you still trying to figure out what brought the country to such a level of despair a mere 2 years after having the distinction of an economy dubbed 'the envy of the world.' Hint: Joe Biden can only be blamed for creating that economy." ninetynine
Why It Stood Out: Against the backdrop of rising costs for farmers, this reader looks back more favorably on the Biden years, arguing that the economy was in better shape.
Latest Polling Numbers
Original Headline: Gas Prices Top $4.40 as 61 Percent Say They’re a Major Problem: Poll
What To Know: A new Fox News poll finds that 61 percent of voters view prices at the pump as a major problem.
Reader Comment: "The president can make almost everyone happy by allowing Iran to become a nuclear state. Then the world can rest easy with cheap fuel prices. Let that sink in....." Content Removed
Why It Stood Out: This reader argues that rising gas prices are a small price to pay to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons.
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