King is better known for horror novels than economic commentary, but his post tapped into something many Americans feel at the pump. Affordability has been one of the defining worries of Trump’s second term, and rising fuel costs have only sharpened it.
In his post, King wrote that he could pay $5.32 a gallon for high-octane fuel, but that many people simply can’t. The remark was mild compared with the language that followed, in which he directed an expletive-laden message at the president over the war. It also arrived shortly after King criticized Trump over the president’s media ban involving CNN and Politico.
A War With No End Date in Sight
The conflict began on February 28, when American and Israeli forces carried out joint strikes on Iran. Seven months on, it remains unclear when the two countries might sit down and reach a settlement. The question has become a bigger talking point as the midterm elections get closer.
What Americans Say in the Polls
King is far from alone in his frustration. A Pew Research Center survey released on October 8 found that 65% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the military action in Iran. That figure has climbed since the spring, when 61% said they disapproved in March.
The poll also showed what worries people most. Higher gas and fuel prices topped the list, with 73% of respondents saying they are extremely or very concerned. Close behind, 71% said they share that level of concern about American troops being wounded or killed.
How Much More Drivers Are Paying
For anyone who drives to work, school or the grocery store, filling the tank is not optional, and the past several months have been costly. Before the strikes began, the national average sat at $2.98 a gallon. By May, it had shot up to $4.54, the highest level since 2022.
As of Friday, October 9, AAA put the national average at $4.37 a gallon. Some states are paying far more. Drivers in California are averaging $6.33 a gallon, while those in Hawaii are paying about $5.63.
No Relief After Summer
Gas prices usually ease once the summer travel rush is over, but that hasn’t happened this year. On October 8, AAA said prices are the highest they have ever been for this time of year, and noted that this is the first October on record with a national average above $4 a gallon.
The comparison with last year is stark. At this point in 2025, drivers were paying $3.12 a gallon on average, which means today’s prices are well over a dollar higher.
The Bottom Line
King’s post may have been blunt, but it reflects a mood that shows up in the numbers. With fuel prices stubbornly high, public approval of the war slipping, and midterms weeks away, the cost of a gallon of gas has become a political issue as much as a household one.
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