Donald Trump is urging Americans to remain patient as fuel prices continue climbing across the country, even as new forecasts warn gas prices could soon reach some of the highest levels in years.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on May 19, Trump said the rising cost of gasoline was minor compared to the threat of Iran developing a nuclear weapon.
“We have to do something with Iran. We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “You want to see the world exploded? You want to see a problem? This is peanuts.”
The comments came during a period of growing concern among American drivers as fuel prices rise sharply following increased tensions in the Middle East.
According to data from the AAA, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States reached $4.55 on May 20.
That figure marks a major jump from the national average of $4.04 one month earlier. Prices have risen even more dramatically since late February, when the average stood below $3 per gallon before military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran increased instability in the region.
Energy analysts say fears over oil supply disruptions are helping drive prices higher. Concerns have focused especially on shipping routes connected to Middle Eastern oil exports.
Trump repeated similar comments he made earlier in the month when discussing the economic impact of the conflict with Iran.
On May 12, Trump said concerns about Americans’ financial struggles were secondary to stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing. We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said at the time.
The remarks have generated strong reactions online and among political critics, with many Americans expressing concern over the growing cost of living and transportation expenses.
Higher gas prices often affect household budgets directly because they increase commuting, shipping, and food delivery costs across the economy.
Industry experts warn that fuel prices may continue climbing if tensions in the Middle East worsen.
Patrick De Haan said current price increases may only represent the beginning of a larger surge.
In a statement shared on social media, De Haan warned that the United States could face its most expensive summer for gasoline prices in years if major oil shipping routes remain disrupted.
He said average prices could potentially approach $5 per gallon nationwide. According to his forecast, the national average could even exceed the record summer levels seen in 2022.
GasBuddy has closely monitored rising prices as global energy markets react to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The possibility of disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transport routes, has become a major concern for investors and energy traders.
Any interruption in oil shipments through the region could reduce global supply and place additional pressure on fuel prices worldwide.
The White House has continued defending its foreign policy approach toward Iran, arguing that preventing nuclear development remains a national security priority.
At the same time, rising fuel costs could create political pressure for the administration as Americans prepare for the busy summer travel season.
Gasoline prices remain an important economic and political issue in the United States because they directly affect millions of drivers every day.
Analysts say future price movements will likely depend on developments in the Middle East, global oil production levels, and whether diplomatic efforts can reduce tensions involving Iran.
For now, many drivers across the country are already feeling the financial impact at gas stations as prices continue moving upward week after week.
The debate over national security, energy markets, and economic pressure is expected to remain a major topic as the United States faces growing uncertainty over fuel costs and global stability.
