Donald Trump said in Miami on Sunday that U.S. gasoline and oil prices could remain elevated through the November midterm elections, acknowledging potential political fallout from the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Speaking on Fox News, Trump said prices may stay at current levels or rise slightly, after U.S. gasoline averaged above $4 per gallon in April, a sharp increase from under $3 earlier in the year.
The remarks mark a shift from earlier assurances by the administration that the price surge would be temporary, as the war’s economic impact becomes more evident.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted global energy markets and driven oil prices up by roughly 50%.
Tensions escalated further after Trump announced a U.S. naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
U.S. Central Command later clarified that the blockade would be limited, but the move has added uncertainty to already fragile ceasefire efforts.
Iranian officials, including Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned the action could push U.S. fuel prices even higher.
At home, the war has dented Trump’s approval ratings, with rising fuel costs fueling voter dissatisfaction ahead of the elections.
Democrats, including Mark Warner, questioned the effectiveness of the blockade, arguing it may not reopen shipping lanes or lower prices.
Republican lawmakers such as Ron Johnson cautioned the conflict could drag on, signaling prolonged economic and political pressure for the administration.