World
Who Had Higher Gas Prices — Trump or Biden? The Numbers Might Surprise You
Gas prices across the US are rising again, and Americans are feeling the strain at the pump. The surge has also reignited political debate, drawing fresh comparisons between Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
As of April 29, 2026, the national average sits at $4.23 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. That’s a noticeable jump from $2.98 before the war in Iran began, and it’s being felt everywhere. In California, drivers are paying close to $6 a gallon, while several other states have already crossed the $5 mark. There isn’t a single state where gas is below $3.658 anymore, which says a lot about how quickly things have changed.
During Biden’s time in office, gas prices didn’t stay steady either. They rose sharply at times, especially in 2022 when prices went above $5 per gallon amid Ukraine-Russia war. On average, though, they hovered around $3.56 between 2021 and 2024, before easing to just over $3 by early 2025.
So what does that mean in simple terms?
- Prices under Biden hit higher peaks
- But current prices are rising fast again, now sitting well above recent averages
Inflation Surge Sends Trump’s Approval Rating to New Low
The rise in gas prices isn’t happening in isolation, it’s part of a bigger squeeze on everyday costs. Fresh data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows inflation jumped to a two-year high in March, driven by increases in essentials like fuel, food, and housing.
Over the past year:
- Food prices rose 2.9%
- Energy costs jumped 12.5%, with gasoline alone up 18.9%
- Electricity increased 4.6%
- Housing costs climbed 3%
A big factor behind this surge has been disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have pushed energy prices higher and added pressure across the economy.
That pressure is showing up politically too. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest level since returning to office, with just 22% of Americans approving of his handling of the cost of living. The survey was conducted between April 24 and April 27 among 1,014 US adults.
