The Trump administration believes it has just weeks before the economic consequences of the Iran war become a significant political issue, a new report claims.
In recent days, questions have mounted about the economic impact of the war, which began late last month. Americans have already seen higher prices at the gas pump, and analysts have warned the conflict could drive up prices elsewhere, including in grocery stores.
And now, administration officials believe they have up to four weeks “where they can ride out what they need to” before oil prices turn into a lasting political issue, a source close to the White House told Politico.
Officials have also reportedly tried to calm the fears of some Republicans who are concerned the Iran conflict could hurt the affordability message they’re hoping to prioritize ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The outlet’s sources said officials have not considered changing military plans amid rising prices.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday the recent increase in oil and gas prices is “temporary,” and that the military campaign will “result in lower gas prices in the long term.”
Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson, told Politico that the president has said rising prices are “short-term disruptions.”
“Ultimately, once the military objectives are completed and the Iranian terrorist regime is neutralized, oil and gas prices will drop rapidly again, potentially even lower than before the strikes begin,” Rogers said. “As a result, American families will benefit greatly in the long-term.”
White House spokesperson Kush Desai also said the president has “been clear about the short term disruptions due to Operation Epic Fury even as U.S. and allied forces make stunning progress against the Iranian terrorist regime.”
“The long run trend, however, has been clear: President Trump’s economic agenda continues to unleash robust private sector job, investment, and economic growth that’s driving America’s resurgence,” he told The Independent. “As the President’s tax cuts and deregulation continue taking effect, and as trillions in investments continue materializing, Americans can rest assured that the best is yet to come.”
Since the U.S. and Israel first launched their campaign against Iran on February 28, gas prices have seen a 19 percent increase. Now, Americans are growing concerned about their pocketbooks.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Monday found that 53 percent of U.S. voters oppose military action against Iran. The survey also revealed that more than 70 percent of voters are either very concerned or somewhat concerned about the conflict causing a spike in oil and gas prices.
When asked about rising gas prices last week, Trump told Reuters, “I don’t have any concern about it.”
"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 go up a little bit,” he said.
Trump shared a similar statement via Truth Social on Sunday evening.
“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace,” he wrote. “ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!”
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