Fox News host Maria Bartiromo was left visibly stunned during a live television interview when former President Donald Trump warned that skyrocketing gas prices could rise even higher and remain elevated until the November midterm elections. The exchange occurred on Bartiromo's Sunday Morning Futures program, where Trump detailed the economic fallout from the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Gas Price Surge and Political Implications
Trump explicitly cautioned that the surging fuel costs, which have already burdened American drivers, might not subside before the pivotal midterm polls in seven months. When Bartiromo pressed him on whether prices would decrease ahead of election day, Trump responded, "It could be the same, or maybe a little bit higher." He added, "I think this won't be that much longer. They're wiped out, Maria. They're wiped out."
According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States has jumped from approximately $3.60 last month to about $4.13 this month, amplifying financial strain on households. Trump linked this increase directly to geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil supply flows.
Iran Blockade and Global Energy Markets
The interview revealed that the U.S. Navy initiated a blockade of ships entering or leaving the strait on Monday at 10 a.m. EST, following a collapse in U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks over the weekend. Trump confirmed the move, stating that Iranian naval forces in the region had been "decimated already." When Bartiromo questioned whether the blockade would further destabilize already hampered global energy markets, Trump replied succinctly, "I think so."
He elaborated on the potential long-term impact, noting, "We've wiped out their whole country, essentially. The only thing left really is their water, which would be very devastating to hit, I would hate to do it, but it's their water, their desalinization plants, their electric generating plants which are very easy to hit." Trump warned that targeting these facilities could leave Iran without electricity for up to a decade due to reconstruction timelines.
Broader Political and Economic Context
Trump's comments come amid a backdrop of rising voter frustration over living costs, a key issue he leveraged in his victory over Joe Biden. Many who supported him are now outraged by the persistent price surges, potentially influencing the upcoming midterms. With Republicans currently controlling both the House and Senate, Trump's approval ratings have hit new lows amid the financial fallout, historically a gauge for looming electoral shifts.
During the interview, Trump also addressed other contentious topics, including NATO and the 2020 election. He expressed disappointment with the North Atlantic alliance, claiming, "I'm very disappointed in NATO. They weren't there for us. We pay trillions of dollars for NATO, and they weren't there for us," after several member nations refused to offer bases and airspace. He hinted that U.S. financial commitments to NATO could be under "very serious examination."
On the 2020 election, Trump reiterated unsubstantiated claims of fraud, stating, "Look, the election was rigged. You know that? I know that. Everybody knows that now," to which Bartiromo simply replied, "Yep." He blamed Biden for the current geopolitical arrangement, labeling his predecessor "grossly incompetent."
The war in Iran has now entered its 45th day, with the U.S. blockade intensifying regional tensions. As gas prices continue to climb, Trump's stark warnings and Bartiromo's reaction underscore the high stakes for both the economy and political landscape heading into the midterm elections.
