Article Summary –
President Trump justified military attacks on Iran despite increased gasoline costs, arguing it was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weaponry, with gas prices rising to an average of $4.07 per gallon, nearly a dollar higher than when Trump began his second term. Despite Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which led to reduced U.S. supplies and increased fuel costs, Trump claimed prices were soon expected to drop significantly. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution for withdrawing troops from the conflict, although similar measures have failed in the Republican-controlled Senate.
President Donald Trump justified military actions in Iran, dismissing concerns about increased costs for American consumers. During an Aug. 14 speech in Garden City, NY, he stated: “We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. Remember that when you pay a bit more, you’re at $4. It’s OK. I did the right thing.”
The average U.S. gas price was above $4.07 per gallon as of Aug. 14, according to the AAA Fuel Prices tracker, nearly a dollar more than the $3.13 average on Jan. 20, 2025, when Trump entered his second term.
Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign included pledges to curb inflation and reduce costs for Americans. In a Sept. 2024 speech, he promised to halve energy prices in a year and reduce gasoline prices to under $2 per gallon.
On Feb. 28, U.S. military strikes on Iran led to Iran blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. faced supply reductions and rising fuel prices. Despite Trump’s misleading claims that the strait is open, Iran attacked commercial ships passing through.
The average American household has spent $477 more on gasoline since the Iran conflict began, as per an analysis by Congress’ Joint Economic Committee minority staff. Trump continues to claim a major price drop is imminent.
On June 14, Trump declared on Truth Social: “The Hormuz Strait will open shortly. Gas prices will plummet, and Affordability will surpass the Record Inflation Driven Biden Administration years.”
“GAS PRICES COMING DOWN, FAST!” he posted on June 29.
“Prices are falling along with oil and gas,” he remarked on July 12. “Thank you! President DJT.”
The White House did not provide an immediate comment.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution on July 23, by a vote of 214-208, directing Trump “to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” Four Republicans joined all 210 Democrats present in favor, though similar efforts have been blocked in the GOP-led U.S. Senate.
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