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President Donald Trump admitted that he does not think "even a little" about the financial situation of Americans when making decisions regarding the war with Iran, in statements that intensify the political pressure on the White House as gas prices exceed $4.50 per gallon nationwide.
In response to the question of whether the economic impact on households motivated him to reach an agreement with Tehran, Trump was categorical: "The only thing that matters when I talk about Iran is that they cannot have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about the financial situation of Americans. I don't think about anyone. I think of only one thing: we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all."
The leader had already described the rise in prices as a "small price to pay" for the efforts to overthrow the Iranian regime and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Since the beginning of the conflict, which blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz —through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes—, gasoline prices have risen more than 50% and seven states have already surpassed five dollars per gallon, according to data from the AAA organization.
Inflation rose to 3.8% in April 2026, its highest level in nearly three years, and consumer sentiment plunged to historic lows.
More than six in ten Americans claim that their household finances have been impacted by the rise in fuel prices, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey from May. Trump's economic approval rating fell to 30%, several points below its level at the start of the war.
A political advisor from the White House, speaking on the condition of anonymity, summarized the paradox facing the administration: "They feel that this is their greatest vulnerability right now: that specific cost, gasoline, not the overall economic conditions. The hardest part is that we made gasoline prices Biden's Achilles' heel, and now it's ours."
In light of the political deterioration, the White House is seeking urgent relief options. This week, Trump endorsed the suspension of the federal gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, a measure that requires Congressional approval and which Republican leaders have not yet formally supported.
The Department of Energy also announced the loan of 53.3 million barrels of oil from the national strategic reserve to stabilize the market.
In April, the administration had already exempted certain Russian oil from sanctions and relaxed maritime transportation regulations to facilitate the supply of fuel.
Only one in four Americans believes that the war with Iran has been worthwhile, compared to 53% who think it has not, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted between April 24 and 27. Even one in five Republicans shares this view.
Republicans fear that the economic pain will lead to electoral punishment in the midterm elections in November, where the party risks losing control of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate.
The Republican strategist Amy Koch warned that the window of opportunity is closing: "I believe people are willing to endure some short-term financial pain if it means we resolve the issue with Iran, but the clock is ticking for the White House."
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