GOP Allies Admit Trump’s Toxicity as Record Gas Price Polls Cripple Midterm Hopes

On May 15, The Daily Blast podcast, hosted by Greg Sargent of The New Republic, featured a discussion on the growing political fallout for Republicans tied to Donald Trump and his MAGA movement ahead of the midterm elections.

NBC News reported that some House Republicans privately admit Trump and MAGA are now a serious liability in the midterms. Republicans face a dilemma: relying on Trump to mobilize his supporters—vital for GOP success—risks associating them with an increasingly unpopular president. This dilemma reflects how the GOP’s uncritical embrace of Trump is backfiring across multiple fronts.

New polling data highlights Trump’s record-low approval on gas prices, a critical economic issue. According to CNN’s Harry Enten, Trump’s disapproval on gas prices stands at 79%—the highest of any president this century. Even among independents, 85% disapprove, while 52% of Republicans share this sentiment.

GOP’s Political Trap: Trump’s Unpopularity and Corruption Concerns

Sargent and guest Mona Charen, a writer for The Bulwark, analyzed how gas prices and corruption are quietly undermining Republican prospects. Charen argued that voters hold Trump directly accountable for rising gas prices, attributing the spike to his decision to engage in an "unprovoked war"—a factor she described as clearly within his control.

"I think it’s pretty clear that voters have this very negative view of Trump’s responsibility for gas prices because it could not be clearer why gas prices are so high. It was this unprovoked war that he chose to engage in that has caused the spike in gas prices."

Charen added that while voters often overlook uncontrollable events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they do not extend the same leniency to Trump for the war in Ukraine, which has directly contributed to the surge in fuel costs.

Record-Breaking Disapproval: Trump’s Gas Price Poll Numbers

Enten’s analysis underscored the severity of Trump’s unpopularity on this issue. His 79% disapproval on gas prices surpasses all other presidents in the 21st century, with the next highest disapproval at 70%. The data paints a stark picture of Trump’s declining support, particularly among key voting blocs.

• Overall disapproval: 79%
• Independents: 85% disapprove
• Republicans: 52% disapprove

Implications for the Midterms

The discussion highlighted how Trump’s unpopularity, combined with ongoing concerns about corruption, is creating hidden but significant challenges for Republicans in the upcoming elections. The GOP’s reliance on Trump’s base risks further alienating swing voters, while distancing themselves from him could dampen turnout among his loyal supporters.