Trump’s unpopular war of choice with Iran has pushed prices even higher

Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for April 2026, showing inflation surged to 3.8% in April, the highest in nearly three years. Soaring gas prices due to Donald Trump’s deadly and costly war with Iran, rising shelter costs, and increasing food prices pushed up inflation this month. Growth in real average hourly earnings dipped negative for the first time in three years, as Americans’ paychecks are being eaten up by Trump’s high prices. 

This data follows a report last week that showed consumer sentiment dropped to its lowest point on record, with many people pointing to tariffs and high gas prices as the reason for their dismal views on Trump’s economy. 

To make matters worse, data shows lower-income households are spending over 4% of their incomes on gas, the highest level for any March in four years, and more consumers are turning to “buy now, pay later” options to afford basic necessities. Another new report shows that roughly one in four Americans are paying off auto debt, and Americans owe a whopping $1.68 trillion in car loans or outstanding payments as delinquencies reach their highest level in over 30 years. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump’s failed economic agenda and his war in Iran are devastating Americans. Working families are being forced to shoulder the costs of skyrocketing prices on everyday necessities like groceries, gas, and prescription drugs, taking on even more debt just to get by. Trump vowed to ‘defeat inflation’ and ‘lower prices on Day One,’ but all Americans have gotten are higher prices and massive cuts to their healthcare and food assistance, while they foot the bill for Trump’s agenda and his handouts to billionaires.” 

It’s no wonder Trump’s approval on the economy has hit a record low. More than 75% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, and over 70% disapprove of his handling of inflation. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, and Trump’s overall disapproval rating hit a new high.