Trump downplays higher gas prices and that’s frustrating voters

EDINBURG, Texas (AP) – Quinten Martinez, pumping gas under a hot South Texas sun, remembers a time when fueling up didn't require tough decisions.

Key points

• "Is it going to be groceries this week?" asked the 28-year-old Amazon delivery driver as he watched the numbers tick higher.
• He shook his head when asked regarding President Donald Trump's assertion last week that higher gas costs are a small cost to pay for the war with Iran.
• "I don't feel like it's a good trade-off, " Martinez remarked.
• Voters nationwide, and throughout the political spectrum, tend to agree.

"Is it going to be groceries this week?" asked the 28-year-old Amazon delivery driver as he watched the numbers tick higher. "Is it gonna be getting gas in our tank to go to work?"

"I don't feel like it's a good trade-off, " Martinez remarked. "I don't feel like this is good for anyone."

Interviews with voters in a number of states, along with a fresh round of national polling, reveal an overwhelming sense of frustration that skyrocketing gas costs – a direct result of Trump's war – are creating serious and sustained financial hardships for America's working class.

In short, trump downplays higher gas prices and thats frustrating voters is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.