Americans turn on Trump as Iran war fears drive gas prices higher
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has failed to clearly explain to the nation why the US started the war with Iran. The majority of Americans remain unaware of the true goals of the conflict, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Read also: Iran’s military flights through Pakistan spark outrage in Washington
According to the poll results, two out of three Americans believe the president did not provide clear justifications for the invasion. About 66% of respondents — including one in three Republicans and nearly all Democrats — said Trump did not clearly explain the goals of US military involvement in Iran. This has created a serious information vacuum in society.
Furthermore, the economic consequences of the war have become noticeable for every family in the US. Gasoline prices are rising rapidly, and nearly 63% of those surveyed admitted that their personal financial situation has been affected by the increase in fuel costs.
Back in mid-March, 55% of citizens spoke about financial difficulties due to fuel, and now that figure has risen by 8%.
Who is to blame and what to do
Voters have already found the culprits of the crisis and place all the responsibility on the government. Three-quarters of Americans believe the Trump administration bears significant responsibility for gas prices.
The political blow has fallen on the Republican Party. The poll showed the following results regarding those responsible:
- 65% of respondents blame Republicans;
- 27% place the blame on Democrats.
And while society seems to have figured out the who is to blame question, the what to do question may be answered by the elections to Congress in November of this year. Reuters emphasizes that the poll results are a warning sign for the president's allies. Republicans will have to defend their majority in very difficult circumstances.
What is the economic situation in other countries amid the oil crisis
The crisis caused by the Strait of Hormuz is also being felt in Ukraine. Over the course of the year, food prices are expected to rise. Moreover, this could happen in two stages.
In India, Prime Minister Modi has called on citizens to save fuel and work from home. He also asked Indians not to buy gold or travel abroad for tourism, so as to keep money in the country.
In Europe, the rise in oil prices is also hitting wallets through higher inflation. The hardest hit have been Germany and Spain, where inflation rates have soared to multi-year highs.
