Trump Faces Domestic Backlash as Iran War Spikes Gas Prices

Gasoline prices in the United States surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022 in April 2026, driven by a conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The surge followed military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, which prompted Iran to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for 20% of global oil. Prices peaked at a national average of $4.14, with extreme highs in California reaching over $6 per gallon in some areas.

Donald Trump responded to the economic pressure by threatening to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges, eventually launching strikes against the Kharg Island oil hub on April 7. Despite the price spikes, Trump claimed costs were "not very high" and argued that the economic disruption was a worthwhile trade-off to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While the administration touted record tax refunds and an "aggressive" goal of returning gas to $3 per gallon by late summer, the Energy Information Administration warned that prices would likely remain elevated through 2027.

Politically, the war became a central issue for the upcoming midterms. Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Vice President Kamala Harris, condemned the "war of choice" for exacerbating affordability crises. Meanwhile, the Republican Party shifted messaging toward domestic tax cuts and economic resilience. A tentative ceasefire and agreement to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial vessels provided some late-April relief, though the U.S. later announced a blockade of Tehran-linked vessels as negotiations stalled.