President Trump on Tuesday made clear that the economic hardships facing Americans are not a factor in his negotiations with Iran, dismissing the notion that high gas prices and inflation should influence his strategy.
Asked directly how much Americans' financial situations motivate him to reach a deal, Trump replied, “Not even a little bit.” He added, “The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump doubled down, stating, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situations. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.” The remarks come as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to push up energy costs and inflation at home.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas has reached $4.50. Meanwhile, the Labor Department reported Tuesday that the consumer price index rose 3.8% over the past year and 0.6% in April alone. The April inflation spike is already hitting Trump ahead of the midterms, with voters increasingly feeling the pinch.
Trump has predicted that gas prices will drop sharply once a deal with Iran is secured, and on Tuesday he floated eliminating the federal gas tax as a temporary fix. Yet a CNN poll released Monday found that 77% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have raised the cost of living in their communities, and 75% said the war in Iran has negatively affected their personal finances.
Despite the pressure, a diplomatic breakthrough remains elusive. On Monday, Trump told reporters that the ceasefire with Iran is on “massive life support” after he rejected Tehran’s counteroffer on nuclear talks. Iran is pushing to separate nuclear negotiations from discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping lane, while the White House insists on nuclear commitments upfront.
The president’s stance has drawn criticism from some allies and analysts who argue that ignoring domestic economic pain could further erode his support. A separate poll showed Trump’s economic approval plummeting as 70% of Americans now expect a recession. The administration’s focus on Iran’s nuclear program, while important, appears to be crowding out attention to the financial squeeze on ordinary households.
With no deal in sight and public patience wearing thin, Trump’s refusal to factor in American pocketbook concerns may become a central issue in the coming months, particularly as the midterm elections approach.
