U.S. President Donald Trump again dismissed Americans’ concerns about high prices and said he will not apologize for starting an unconstitutional war or the high gas prices that have resulted.
Speaking to cadets at the New York Police Academy on August 14, Trump stated that $4-per-gallon gas is the price Americans must pay to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon. The remarks reprise comments made in May, when the president said he isn’t worried about the financial situation of Americans because Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
Trump claimed U.S. forces “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capability during Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 and that after defeating Iran, he would declare the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States. He also stated that higher gas prices were ahead due to the need to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
During a stop in Iowa, Trump told residents they had to pay more for gas because U.S. forces had “put out a potential disaster” in the Middle East to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi of Iran criticized Trump’s claims on social media, stating: “The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech. Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power.”
A poll shows 60.5 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s performance on Iran (with only 34.8 percent approving), and 58.4 percent overall disapprove of the job he is doing as president.
Additionally, GOP Representative Troy Nehls of Texas stated: “Affordability — what are you talking about? I’m gonna go there tomorrow … over the Fourth. I’m gonna get me a couple of big lobster tails. I’m gonna get some nice rib eyes.”
