A proposal by President Donald Trump to impose a ban on diesel fuel exports has received sharp criticism from experts on Fox Business, as rising fuel prices dampen voter sentiment ahead of the midterm elections.

As of Monday, the national average price for diesel stands at an unsettling $6.46 per gallon, just shy of the record $6.53 reached last week. Meanwhile, regular gasoline has surged to $4.48, a notable increase of 39 cents over the past month, exacerbated by the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s unpopular policies, including his approach to the situation with Iran.

In this context, Trump is reportedly giving serious thought to the idea of banning diesel exports to mitigate the crisis. This suggestion has raised eyebrows and garnered significant backlash from commentators during a segment of “Mornings With Fox Business.”

Liz Peek, a Fox News contributor, unequivocally described the export ban idea as “a really bad economic move.” She pointed out that such a ban could lead to a surplus of diesel fuel since refiners are unable to select which products to produce, resulting in excess diesel without an outlet.

“While prices for diesel may drop initially, refiners will likely cut back overall production, pushing gasoline prices higher,” Peek warned. “This move might be beneficial for farmers in the short term, but it fails to account for the broader economic repercussions.”

The idea has not only been championed by Trump but has also found support among several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Grassley likened the proposal to embargoes previously enacted by presidents during the 1970s to address inflation in food prices.

Grassley’s call for an export ban has also put the spotlight on growing concerns among Republicans about the midterm elections, particularly regarding the agricultural sector, which has been hurt by tariffs and rising costs.

Ryan Payne, president of Payne Capital Management, echoed Peek’s sentiments during the segment, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Trump’s proposal and suggesting it would aggravate existing issues.

“Cutting off diesel fuel exports may lead to a decline in refined diesel available for global markets, especially in Europe. This could, in turn, increase transportation costs for imported goods, making prices soar here,” Payne explained. “It’s a case of penny-wise, dollar-foolish.”

Peek further suggested that Trump’s proposal may stem from anxiety within the GOP about losing critical support among farmers, who could be swayed by higher costs into voting for Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.

With midterms just around the corner, the Republican Party is grappling with the potential fallout from the current economic climate, particularly as inflation and fuel costs weigh heavily on voters’ minds.

As Trump continues to consider various strategies to boost his party’s prospects, political strategists warn that proposals could come under public scrutiny if they appear disconnected from economic realities.

The spike in fuel prices is particularly concerning for the agricultural sector, which heavily relies on diesel. Farmers, already beleaguered by rising costs of production, face a precarious situation as they navigate the uncertainty of the upcoming elections.

Political analysts believe that unsettling economic conditions could heavily influence voting patterns, especially for rural voters critical to Republican success. As such, every decision made in the lead-up to the midterms carries significant weight.

Trump’s proposal encapsulates a larger dilemma facing the GOP: how to reassure voters struggling with soaring costs while positioning themselves for electoral victories. The stakes couldn’t be higher as a misstep could shift the tide in competitive districts.

As criticism mounts both from within and outside the party, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s proposed diesel export ban will be reshaped or abandoned altogether as Republicans scramble to find viable solutions to fuel prices that threaten their electoral future.

While the midterms loom just ahead, economic policies and proposals like these will be scrutinized more than ever as both parties realize their significance in shaping voter sentiment.

With voter frustration already bubbling over, how Trump and other party leaders address these challenges will likely be pivotal in determining their fates on Election Day.