A person pumps gas at a Valero gas station on June 30 in Austin, Texas. President Donald Trump's sanctions on Russia could raise prices at the pump for Americans. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

President Donald Trump’s sanctions crackdown on Russia risks undermining one of the bright spots in the Trump economy: tame gas prices.

The surprising decision to punish Russia , the second-biggest crude oil producer on the planet, instantly sent oil prices surging Wednesday. Analysts say pump prices are likely to rise modestly in the coming days.

The challenge for Trump is how to break the Russian war machine without causing a painful price spike that would exacerbate lingering frustrations about the cost of living among voters.

“The market is reacting with shock today. Many thought Trump would

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