Two months after Donald Trump launched the United States into war with Iran, the bill has arrived: $25 billion and growing. And when Congress asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today what that war is doing to gas prices, grocery bills, and household budgets back home, he refused to answer.
- Hegseth dismissed questions about the impact of the war on the cost of gas and food as “gotcha” questions and refused to answer.
- When pressed, Hegseth refused to reveal the cost of the war in Iran for the average taxpayer.
- Every car owner and truck driver knows the price of gas and diesel right now, but Hegseth doesn’t, and he refuses to acknowledge the war’s impact on the price of energy.
“Over and over, Hegseth smugly dismissed concerns about rising gas prices, rising food prices, and the burden of the war on taxpayers. The arrogance of this administration to engage in war with Iran without a plan or strategy for exiting it, and without any regard for what it would mean for working families, is staggering,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Brandon Weathersby. “Hegseth is a millionaire who knows that his job is safe as long as he continues to carry water for Trump. The financial stress of American families isn’t anywhere on his radar.”
Published: Apr 29, 2026 | Last Modified: May 5, 2026