President Donald Trump has downplayed rising U.S. gasoline prices triggered by the ongoing military operation against Iran. In an exclusive Reuters interview on Thursday, he prioritized the campaign over fuel costs, stating that any price increases are temporary and less important than national security goals.
Trump’s Blunt Response to Price Hikes Trump said he had “no concern” about higher pump prices. He remarked, “They’ll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit.” He claimed prices “haven’t risen very much” and predicted a quick rebound once the conflict ends.
Military Priority and No SPR Release The president ruled out tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, expressing confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would stay open.
He noted Iran’s navy has been “rendered ineffective” by U.S. actions. Trump estimated the operation would last four to five weeks. National average gas prices have climbed 27 cents in a week to $3.25 per gallon, per AAA data, amid a 16% jump in global oil prices since strikes began on Saturday.
The comments mark a shift from Trump’s recent boasts about low gas prices in his State of the Union address and a Texas energy rally.
White House officials are exploring short-term measures like federal tax holidays and naval escorts for tankers, but Trump emphasized the geopolitical stakes outweigh economic discomfort. Rising costs pose risks for Republicans ahead of midterms, with voters sensitive to living expenses.