“We’re putting the money in the tank”: despite soaring prices, rural voters continue to support Trump in his war against Iran

In the small farming town of Wiggins, Colorado, many voters Donald Trump say they accept the economic difficulties caused by the war against Iran, believing that the conflict is necessary despite the explosion in gasoline prices and the cost of living.

Sitting behind the counter at a local liquor store, Amy Van Duyn watches the daily rise in fuel prices posted outside the neighboring gas station. A gallon of gasoline there now costs $4,34, about 50% more than when Donald Trump returned to the White House last year.

“Before, I paid $36 to fill up. Now, $36 only gets me half a tank,” explains this 42-year-old resident. Her colleague, Tonyah Bruyette, also says she is feeling the impact of rising fuel costs: “We’re putting money in the tank instead of on our table,” she summarizes.

Despite these difficulties, the two women continue to strongly support Donald Trump. Like many residents of rural Wiggins, they believe the current economic sacrifices are justified if they help prevent Iran from becoming a greater nuclear threat.

The neighboring Morgan County voted overwhelmingly for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, with a lead of nearly 49 points. This political loyalty contrasts sharply with national trends, where the US president's economic popularity appears to be declining significantly.

According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, nearly eight out of ten Americans now hold Donald Trump responsible for rising gasoline prices, which have exceeded $4,50 a gallon in several parts of the country since the start of the war against Iran.

Some rural voters interviewed by Reuters acknowledged their concerns about the rising cost of living and the lack of swift government assistance. However, many said they still preferred Trump's policies to those of the Democrats, believing that a firm stance against Iran remains a strategic and security priority for the United States.