California Gas Prices Reach Record Highs as Memorial Day Travel Begins Amid Declining Trump Approval Ratings

Gasoline prices in California have climbed to all-time highs, with the average price for a gallon of regular gas reaching approximately $6.14. This figure stands more than a dollar above both the national average and the state average from last year.

Despite these elevated costs, AAA projects that nearly 6 million Californians will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day weekend. According to AAA, about 87% of those traveling out of town plan to drive. Many are adapting by opting for shorter trips closer to home, allocating larger portions of their budgets to fuel, and reducing spending on hotels, dining, and shopping.

Travelers are advised to depart early, as traffic is expected to intensify significantly after 3 p.m., negatively impacting gas mileage. In the Bay Area, prices are even higher than the statewide average, with most counties hovering around $6.30 per gallon. Experts recommend seeking stations further east for potential savings.

Nationwide, the average price for gas now exceeds $4 per gallon across all 50 states. Prices have risen over 45% since the start of the war in Iran, with diesel fuel also approaching record highs—currently about $0.20 below the 2022 peak.

The surge in fuel costs coincides with declining approval ratings for President Donald Trump. His economic approval rating has dropped to 29%, with a recent Quinnipiac poll showing 58% disapproval and 34% approval overall. While 65% of voters in a new national poll believe the U.S. is winning the war with Iran, growing economic concerns are weighing heavily on public sentiment.

Political science professor David McEwen described the situation as presenting a deep political problem for the Trump administration, especially with midterm elections just 166 days away.

“Gas prices are up over 45% since the war started,” McEwen noted. He highlighted that the administration faces challenges in addressing supply and demand for global petroleum products, and that legislation will be needed to implement changes. McEwen pointed out that Republican lawmakers, while largely remaining aligned with the president, may face voter backlash in competitive races due to the economic pressures.

McEwen added that passing legislation could prove difficult in the narrowly divided House and Senate, particularly with tight margins and potential absences affecting majorities. He also referenced the president’s military actions, noting the current intervention in Iran as the third in 2026, which carries both economic and political costs.