Gas Prices Put Trump Support to the Test

man in suit seated on stage during conference — Photo: lev radin / Shutterstock

A sitting senator said his voters would accept higher gas prices because they chose President Trump, and a top TV data analyst called that claim flatly unsupported by the polls.

Story Highlights

Sen. Tommy Tuberville said Alabamians would “deal with” higher gas prices and stand by Trump.
CNN’s Harry Enten said polling shows very low approval for Trump on gas prices.
AAA data show Alabama gasoline prices have jumped markedly this year.
Tuberville has also framed higher costs as “short-term pain” tied to global conflict.

What Senator Tuberville Said And Why It Sparked Pushback

Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama said people in his state “know they voted for President Trump” and “will deal with” higher gas prices, suggesting voters accept price swings and remain loyal. The comments aired in a clip that spread online. CNN analyst Harry Enten reacted with disbelief, arguing the claim is not backed by polling of voter views on gas prices or Trump’s handling of the issue. The exchange put a spotlight on pain at the pump and partisan framing.

Earlier this year, Tuberville urged Alabamians to accept “a few weeks” of higher costs during tensions linked to Iran, casting it as a sacrifice for broader security. That message fits a pattern among Republicans who argue short-term economic pain can serve larger national goals. Local reporting paired his remarks with statewide price snapshots from travel groups that track fuel costs day by day. The senator also blamed environmental policy advocates for holding back domestic supply as prices rose.

What The Polls And Price Gauges Show Right Now

Public polling summarized by CNN shows voters giving President Trump very poor marks on gas prices, with disapproval at or near record highs for a modern president on that specific issue. That trend matters because gasoline is a simple, visible price that many families watch every week. When it rises, the public often punishes whoever is in charge. Analysts and campaign operatives in both parties treat fuel costs as a direct signal of political risk in tight races.

State and national price trackers show a steady climb in recent weeks. Alabama’s average price topped four dollars per gallon in mid-September, up more than a dollar from a year earlier, according to data cited by local outlets from the American Automobile Association. The national average also jumped by more than a dollar year over year, reflecting tight oil markets, conflict risk, and refinery dynamics that push prices higher during peak demand. These numbers match what drivers see on roadside signs.

Why The Framing Matters Beyond One Sound Bite

Republicans like Tuberville argue voters will accept “short-term pain” if it backs policies they believe will strengthen the country, such as pressuring rivals abroad or rebuilding industry through tariffs. Supporters see resolve and long-term thinking. Critics see leaders who appear out of touch with family budgets that cannot absorb another spike in gas, food, and utility costs. That split maps onto a wider view that elites in Washington do not feel the same costs as working people.

Political science research and fresh polling suggest gas prices often shape elections. A jump of even a few dimes can dent approval ratings, and many voters say fuel costs will influence their ballot this fall. Some surveys show majorities blaming Trump for the latest rise, even while backers credit his broader agenda. When leaders tell people to “deal with it,” they risk confirming a belief shared on left and right: that Washington shrugs at everyday pain.

What To Watch Next In Policy And Politics

Energy policy debates will test both parties. The White House can consider drawing from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, easing seasonal fuel rules, or leaning on refiners to boost output. Congress can examine permitting reforms to speed pipelines and drilling, while also weighing investments in efficiency and alternatives to cut demand. Each path has trade-offs. Any move takes time to reach prices, leaving the near-term politics risky for the party in power as voters press for relief.