Map of Trump Approval Rating in Biggest Farming States as Diesel Costs Soar

President Donald Trump's approval rating is underwater in the nation's largest farming states as diesel prices have surged in recent days, a major concern for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Rising diesel costs could significantly impact farmers, who rely on the fuel to power their agricultural equipment. Additionally, the increased transportation costs could affect the entire agricultural industry.

The rise in diesel prices is due to disruptions in oil and fuel shipments in the Middle East as a result of the ongoing war in Iran. Republicans fear that farmers, a significant part of their base that helped elect Trump in 2016 and 2024, might abandon the party or stay home during the midterms due to frustration over the impact of rising diesel prices.

In the 10 states with the highest market value of agricultural products sold, Trump's approval was in the negatives in all of them except Kansas, where he maintained a slightly positive rating. These states include California, a solidly Democratic state; competitive swing states like North Carolina and Wisconsin; and conservative states like Nebraska and Texas. Trump's approval rating in these states ranged from -26 points in California to -35 points in Minnesota.

Truck drivers, farmers, and others in the agricultural industry have criticized Trump amid the increasing diesel prices, as it translates to higher operating costs for them. Democrats hope to expand the electoral battleground into more conservative states such as Iowa and Kansas, where the impact of rising diesel prices could be felt the most acutely.

In Iowa, Trump's approval rating was -20 points, while in Minnesota, it was -35 points. Democrats believe the backlash to Trump's tariffs and rising diesel prices could improve their chances in these states during the midterms.