President Donald Trump publicly contradicted his Energy Secretary Chris Wright over predictions about when US gas prices might drop significantly. According to The Guardian, Wright acknowledged on Sunday that it might not be until 2027 before gas prices return below $3 per gallon, a level touted by the Trump administration in December.
Key Takeaways
President Donald Trump contradicted his Energy Secretary Chris Wright over predictions that US gas prices might not drop significantly until next year. The disagreement comes as high fuel costs and the ongoing conflict in Iran weigh heavily on public opinion, with Trump's approval rating at 43 percent according to AAA.
- President Trump disagrees with Energy Secretary Wright's prediction of prolonged high gas prices
- Gas prices have risen over $4 per gallon due to tensions with Iran
- Public disapproval of Trump's handling of the war and inflation stands at 67-68 percent
- Both sides agree that resolving the Iran conflict could lower energy prices
Trump quickly disagreed with this assessment, telling The Hill in a phone conversation: "No, I think [Wright is] wrong on that. Totally wrong." The president predicted gas prices could come down as early as November before the midterms during an interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo last week.
As reported by The Guardian, US gasoline prices soared after Iran responded to attacks by the US and Israel, leading to a naval blockade and seizure of Iranian ships. Prices averaged $2.98 per gallon before the conflict but climbed to $3.98 in late March, stabilizing above $4 in April.
The disagreement comes as economic issues, particularly high gas prices, contribute significantly to Trump's low approval rating, which currently stands at 43 percent according to AAA. An NBC poll showed that 67-68% of the public disapproves of Trump's handling of both the war in Iran and domestic inflation.
Despite their disagreement on timing, both Trump and Wright agree that resolving the conflict with Iran would help reduce gas prices. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner are expected to continue talks this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, to push for an end to the conflict according to The Guardian.
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