Americans sour on economy as gas prices and Iran fears rise

Americans are growing more sour on the economy as gas prices rise and the fighting in Iran adds a layer of uncertainty that many households say they cannot decipher. Views of the economy have slipped to levels not seen since 2023, and three-quarters of Americans say their incomes are not keeping up with inflation. Many now describe the economy as “uncertain,” a word that captures both the pressure of higher prices today and the fear that more pain could be coming.

The war has made that unease more immediate. Over the eight weeks since the conflict began, gas prices pushed above $4 a gallon and inflation climbed to its highest level in nearly two years. Average U.S. gasoline prices were already nearing $4 a gallon in March, and Americans say they do not have a clear sense of what is happening in Iran or day to day in the Strait of Hormuz, where disruption can ripple quickly through oil markets. Most do not think the conflict has helped U.S. economic interests, even though perceptions of military success are somewhat higher. Many say it is too soon to judge the broader strategic payoff. A White House spokeswoman said Donald Trump remained committed to lowering fuel costs and argued that global energy markets would stabilize once the conflict ended.

The economic frustration fits a broader pattern of criticism of Trump’s handling of inflation and prices. On Jan. 18, 2026, Americans overall said there still had not been enough focus on lowering prices, even as most Republicans said Trump had done more than expected. In a July 21, 2025 poll, nearly two-thirds disapproved of how Trump was handling inflation. More recently, Americans said they wanted the president to talk about the economy and the cost of living, while tariffs remained unpopular.

The dissatisfaction is not confined to one gripe. It is broad, but it is especially intense where gas prices, inflation and wage pressure collide. Voters are hearing claims of progress, yet many still feel the daily economy moving in the wrong direction, with no clear relief in sight.