3/26/26: Trump Econ Numbers Flop, Oil Spikes, Professor Pape Dire Warning, Cuba Makes Offer To US

Krystal and Saagar discuss the mounting fallout from the US war in Iran, including Trump's plummeting approval ratings and economic handling, spiking oil prices driving inflation, early public opposition to the conflict, Professor Robert Pape's analysis of escalation risks, and Cuba's overtures for a deal amid US pressure.

War's Political Toll

Trump's approval has hit a new low of 36% in a Reuters poll, with economic approval at just 29%—worse than Biden's lows and without external shocks like COVID. Only 26% believe the war makes the US safer long-term, versus 46% who see it as less safe. Young voters, key to Trump's 2024 win on anti-war and low-price promises, face grim job markets for graduates, rising mortgage rates, and gas hikes tied to the conflict. Polling shows 52% oppose the war versus 40% support (Nate Silver tracker), remarkable weeks in, bucking historical rally-around-the-flag patterns seen in Iraq and Afghanistan. No public sales effort from the administration signals arrogance, they argue, eroding trust in Congress and Trump's anti-war image.