Old North News

A recent poll indicated that less than half of Americans approve of Pres. Joe Biden's job performance, especially his handling of the nation's economy.

This news comes as the economy worsens and gas prices reach historic levels in North Carolina and across the nation.

Biden's approval ratings continue to drop and have hit a new low, according to an NBC News poll from earlier this month. As of early May, only 39% of Americans approve of Biden’s job as president, while 56% disapprove. Among independent voters, the president's approval rating is even lower, at 33%. 

"POLL: Pres. Joe Biden’s job approval rating has hit an all-time low," Newsmax said on Twitter.

The NBC News survey was taken from May 5 to 7 and May 9 to10 among 1,000 adults; 790 were registered voters. The poll also showed that 33% of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, while 62% disapprove. 

Gas prices across the country continue to climb higher every day, reminding Americans of the economic deficit the country is in. As of Wednesday, the national average of $4.57 per gallon of gas is $1.53 more than a year ago, according to AAA. In North Carolina, the average of $4.33 per gallon is 50 cents more than a month ago and $1.40 more than a year ago.

During his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order temporarily suspending new oil and gas leases on federal lands, according to Fox Business. The Department of the Interior (DOI) last week canceled oil and gas lease sales for over one million acres in Alaska's Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico, amid record-high gas prices. 

While the DOI cited a "lack of industry interest," Steve Milloy, a former Trump administration EPA transition member and founder of JunkScience.com, blamed the current president. 

"I blame Biden for all lack of production," Milloy told FOX Business last week. "He has scared away investment." Milloy further suggested that the president will find "any excuse to not drill. They even tried to use the social cost of carbon decision to stop leasing."

The steady climb in pump prices is primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which is hovering near $110 a barrel, according to AAA.

"The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers," AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said. "Even the annual seasonal demand dip for gasoline during the lull between spring break and Memorial Day, which would normally help lower prices, is having no effect this year."