Analysis of Presidential Approval Ratings Amidst Rising Energy Costs and Conflict with Iran

May 14, 2026, 22:06
GlobalPolitics

Introduction

President Donald Trump is facing record levels of public disapproval regarding gasoline prices and the general economy following the start of military actions against Iran.

Main Body

The current economic instability is mainly caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20% of the world's oil, due to 'Operation Epic Fury.' This geopolitical disruption has led to a sharp increase in energy costs, with the average gas price reaching $4.53 per gallon. Consequently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that inflation has reached its highest point across both of the President's terms, driven by rising costs for energy and food. Data from CNN/SSRS shows a historic low in public opinion, as 79% of people disapprove of how the administration is handling fuel costs. This is the highest disapproval rating for any U.S. president since the start of the century. Furthermore, this dissatisfaction is visible among Republicans, with 52% to 55% of party members expressing disapproval. As a result, the President's overall approval rating has dropped to 35%, while his net approval has hit a record low of -22%. Responses to these problems have been divided. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1346 to allow the year-round sale of E15 ethanol blends to lower costs. However, the executive branch has focused on different priorities. The President emphasized that stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons is more important than the immediate financial concerns of U.S. citizens. Additionally, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argued that current prices are better than the 2022 peak, though critics in Congress claim this view ignores the economic reality of voters.

Conclusion

The administration continues to face serious political challenges as high inflation and fuel costs clash with the government's strategic focus on Iranian denuclearization.

Learning

πŸš€ The 'Logic Link' Upgrade

An A2 student says: "Gas prices are high. People are angry. The President is not popular."

To reach B2, you must stop using short, choppy sentences. You need Connectors of Consequence and Contrast. These are the "glue" that make your English sound professional and fluid.

πŸ›  The Power Tools

From the text, we can extract three high-impact transitions that shift you from basic to advanced:

  1. "Consequently" β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of "So."
    • Example: "The Strait of Hormuz closed. Consequently, oil prices rose."
  2. "Furthermore" β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of "And" or "Also."
    • Example: "Gas is expensive. Furthermore, inflation is at a record high."
  3. "However" β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of "But."
    • Example: "The House passed a law to lower costs. However, the President focused on Iran."

πŸ’‘ The B2 Strategy: The 'Cause-Effect-Contrast' Chain

Try to build your thoughts in this specific order to sound more sophisticated:

[Cause] β†’\rightarrow [Effect] β†’\rightarrow [Contrast]

"The administration is fighting Iran (Cause); consequently, gas prices have increased (Effect). However, the government believes national security is more important than the cost of fuel (Contrast)."

⚠️ Pro Tip: Placement

Notice that these words often start a sentence and are followed by a comma ( , ). This creates a natural pause that gives you time to think and makes your speech sound more authoritative.

Vocabulary Learning

disapproval (n.)
The feeling or expression that something is not acceptable.
Example:The public's disapproval of the new policy was evident in the protests.
inflation (n.)
The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising.
Example:Inflation has caused the cost of living to rise sharply.
geopolitical (adj.)
Relating to the influence of geography on politics and international relations.
Example:The geopolitical situation in the Middle East remains tense.
disruption (n.)
Interruption of the normal functioning of something.
Example:The closure caused a disruption in oil supply.
consequently (adv.)
As a result; for that reason.
Example:The price increased; consequently, many people cut back on travel.
historic (adj.)
Famous or important because it has lasted for a long time.
Example:The meeting was historic, marking the first time the two leaders met.
public opinion (n.)
The collective views or attitudes of the general public.
Example:Public opinion on the matter is divided.
dissatisfaction (n.)
Lack of satisfaction; unhappiness with something.
Example:There was widespread dissatisfaction with the government's response.
divided (adj.)
Split into parts or groups.
Example:The committee was divided over the new policy.
executive branch (n.)
The part of government that implements laws.
Example:The executive branch will announce new regulations.
emphasized (v.)
Gave special importance or attention to.
Example:The president emphasized the importance of national security.
denuclearization (n.)
The process of removing nuclear weapons.
Example:Denuclearization of the region is a key goal.
strategic (adj.)
Relating to planning and achieving long-term goals.
Example:The company took a strategic approach to market expansion.
approval rating (n.)
The percentage of people who approve of a person or policy.
Example:His approval rating fell to 35%.
net approval (n.)
The overall approval after subtracting disapproval.
Example:The net approval of the policy was negative.
peak (n.)
The highest point or maximum level.
Example:The oil prices reached a peak last year.
critics (n.)
People who express adverse opinions.
Example:Critics argued that the plan was unrealistic.
claim (v.)
Assert something as a fact.
Example:He claimed that the evidence was conclusive.
ignore (v.)
Pay no attention to.
Example:They ignored the warnings about the storm.
reality (n.)
The state of things as they actually exist.
Example:The reality of the situation was far worse than expected.
government (n.)
The system or group of people governing an area.
Example:The government announced new measures.
challenges (n.)
Difficult tasks or problems.
Example:The challenges ahead are significant.
fuel costs (n.)
The price paid for fuel.
Example:Fuel costs have risen dramatically.
clash (v.)
To come into conflict or disagreement.
Example:The two sides clash over policy differences.
strategic focus (n.)
The main area of attention or priority.
Example:The strategic focus is on renewable energy.