President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed concerns about rising U.S. Gasoline prices linked to the recent joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran, stating, “If they rise, they rise,” according to a Reuters exclusive interview. The comments represent a shift in tone from his State of the Union address last month, where he highlighted falling gas prices as a key achievement of his administration.
The average U.S. Gas price has increased from $2.975 on February 24 – the day of the airstrikes – to $3.198 as of March 4, according to data from the American Automobile Association. GasBuddy, a fuel data site, predicted on Monday that prices could rise an additional 10 to 30 cents a gallon over the next two weeks, attributing the increases to “ongoing geopolitical events” and their impact on global oil supplies.
Trump had previously claimed in his State of the Union address that gasoline prices were “below $2.30 a gallon in most states,” and even as low as $1.85 a gallon in Iowa. His remarks on Thursday, while, prioritized the military operation over domestic energy costs. “I don’t have any concern about it,” he told Reuters. “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 travel up a little bit.”
The potential political fallout from sustained higher gas prices is already being considered within the administration. Political analysts suggest that a continued increase could harm Republican prospects in the November 2025 midterm elections, particularly given existing voter dissatisfaction with the cost of living and the president’s economic policies.
Despite Trump’s public downplaying of the issue, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has reportedly tasked advisors with developing strategies to lower gasoline prices, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has also engaged with oil company CEOs to explore potential options, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on March 5. A White House official, speaking anonymously, indicated a “scramble” within the energy and national security teams to formulate measures aimed at curbing price increases.
The Independent reported that voters who supported Trump in 2024, based on promises to lower the cost of living and avoid further foreign entanglements, are now expressing anger over the rising prices. The Hill noted that the spike in energy prices has put the Trump administration on the defensive, as low oil and gasoline prices had been a central component of the White House’s economic messaging.
