Republican Representative Jim Jordan has delivered a stark message to Americans grappling with soaring fuel costs, asserting that the pain at the pump is simply a reflection of 'the world we live in.' In a CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins, the Ohio congressman argued that the rising price of gasoline, a consequence of the ongoing conflict with Iran, is an acceptable price to pay for confronting Tehran.
Jordan Defends War Costs
Jordan was pressed on his continued support for former President Donald Trump and the US military campaign against Iran, which has driven the average national gas price to $4.53 per gallon. 'We all want gas prices to go down,' Jordan acknowledged. 'But we are also concerned about Iran and this regime that’s done so much evil and harm around the world to Americans, to Israelis, to other people, to their own people, for goodness sakes, for 47 years.'
The conflict has seen the US kill several high-ranking Iranian officials, yet regime change has not been achieved, with Mojtaba Khamenei succeeding his father as supreme leader. Jordan maintained that the higher costs were worth the strategic objective.
Trump's Promise vs. Reality
When reminded of Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to bring gas below $2 per gallon, Jordan dismissed the discrepancy. 'Gas prices were coming down until we had to deal with this situation, but that’s life, that’s dealing with the world we live in,' he said. He contrasted this with the Biden administration, claiming, 'When Biden was driving up the gas prices it was because of stupid regulation and taxes and everything else, and spending.'
Since the US and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran on February 28, oil prices have surged from below $70 per barrel to well over $100. Brent crude, the global benchmark, hit $122 in late April—its highest level since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Although a temporary ceasefire has been in place since April 8, oil remains near $110 per barrel.
Economic Fallout
While most US oil is domestically extracted, the country still relies heavily on imports from the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The conflict has also caused disruptions, with 1,600 vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Mortgage rates and consumer prices have risen under the Trump administration, reflecting in his approval ratings. A CNN/SSRS survey from late April to early May found that three out of four Americans disapprove of the economy under Trump, blaming his policies—particularly the Iran war and tariffs—for driving up the cost of living.
White House Spokesperson Kush Desai defended the administration, stating: 'While the President has been clear about short-term disruptions as a result of Operation Epic Fury, the Administration is focused on implementing the proven Trump agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance to keep America on a solid economic trajectory.'
