Trump's Biggest Mistake...

As most probably remember, during 2024's election season, Trump campaigned on lowering prices: gas, groceries, housing, energy, etc; however, due to the unforeseen war in Iran, prices have been suffering.

In November, 2024, gas cost on average $3.10 per gallon, and eggs were around $3.65 per dozen. Today, gas costs approximately $4.30 per gallon, and eggs cost almost $6 on average per dozen. The price of the average home in the United States has risen by about 8%, and the price of electricity has risen by almost 10%.

Gas Prices in the Last Year

The Iran war is predominantly affecting oil and shipping distribution. The most significant issue is in regard to the Strait of Hormuz: the narrow waterway near Iran that more than 20% of the world's oil has to travel through. Within the Persian Gulf are a large number of the world's oil-producing countries: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Most of these nations' oil only has one direct way out of the Gulf, to the Ocean: the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz's Oil Routes

The Strait of Hormuz is extremely narrow: about 20 miles wide, so conflict there is extremely dangerous for the world's oil trade. When Iran threatens or attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz during wartime, fear over millions of barrels of oil being stuck in the Gulf spreads quickly, so oil prices jump. Crude oil hit over $90 per barrel during the fighting, which led to a rise in prices for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Because trucks, ships, planes, and farms all use fuel, everything that requires transport or oil becomes more expensive: groceries, flights and travel costs, electricity and utilities, and overall concerns over the stock market and economic stability.

Statistics as of April, 2026

Whether the decision to enter the Israel-Iran war was a good one is subjective and has many factors to consider; however, its economic effects are acting as a serious blow to the Republicans and the Trump administration, as midterm elections are right around the corner. Since economic conditions heavily influence voter opinion, many American voters will likely associate rising costs and wartime economy with the current administration, so this November might make the rest of Trump's term significantly more challenging.

This November, remember to inform yourself on your local candidates, and be sure to vote for the change that you wish to see in the world.