Great Lakes Wire

A majority of Americans disapprove of Pres. Joe Biden’s performance, including his handling of the economy, an NBC News poll found.

This comes as gas prices continue to rise in Michigan and across the country. 

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

The poll surveyed 1,000 adults — 790 were registered voters — between May 5 and 7 and May 9 and 10. It found that 39% of Americans approve of Biden, while 56% disapprove.

Among independent voters, the president's approval rating is even lower, at 33%. The poll also showed that only 33% of Americans approve of Biden’s handling of the economy, while 62% disapprove.

"While Biden's approval rating is essentially unchanged from March's poll — when it was at 40% — the new number represents the lowest mark of his presidency,” NBC News said.

Cost of living is among the top issues concerning Americans, the poll found.

"Sixty-five percent of adults say their family's income is falling behind the cost of living," NBC News said. 

Gas prices, which have been rising in the U.S. and Michigan, affect the economy, according to Investopedia.

"At the individual level, higher gas prices mean that each of us pays more at the pump, leaving less to spend on other goods and services," Investopedia said. "But, higher gas prices affect more than just the cost to fill up at the gas station; higher gas prices have an effect on the broader economy ... When gas prices rise, it can be a drag on the economy, impacting everything from consumer spending to the price of airline tickets to hiring practices."

Gas prices continue to set new records every day, squeezing Americans' wallets. As of May 18, the national average of $4.57 per gallon was $1.53 more than a year ago, according to AAA. 

In Michigan, the average of $4.57 per gallon is 65 cents more than a month ago and $1.63 more than a year ago, AAA reported.

The steady climb in pump prices is primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which is currently approximately $110 a barrel. 

"The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers," Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, 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."

During his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order temporarily suspending new oil and gas leases on federal lands. The Department of the Interior (DOI) recently 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, according to Fox Business. 

While the DOI cited "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 recently. "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."