SHOT: Speaking to law enforcement in New York today, Trump reminded Americans that they’re paying more at the pump because of the war he launched with Iran. With the national average at $4.08 a gallon, Trump said he’ll “never apologize” for sending gas prices sky-high.
CHASER: While Trump shrugs it off, families and small businesses are footing the bill…
- The average household has paid at least $450 more in energy costs since the war began, with lower-income households hit hardest.
- Americans have paid more than $75 billion in additional fuel costs nationwide and counting.
- Small business profitability recently posted its steepest year-over-year decline in two years, as owners spent nearly a third more on gas.
- Small operators already squeezed by tariffs are now absorbing skyrocketing shipping and fuel costs they can’t afford to pass on to customers.
- Farmers are getting hit too; nitrogen fertilizer prices nearly doubled this spring compared to the year before, after they spiked as much as 49% since the war closed off the Strait of Hormuz.
Published: Aug 14, 2026