By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the Trump administration's energy record during a Tuesday appearance on Fox News, arguing that President Donald Trump remains focused on lowering energy costs despite persistently high gasoline prices driven by the conflict with Iran.
Gas prices remain elevated
During the interview on "America Reports," anchor John Roberts noted the national average for regular gasoline stood at $4.27 per gallon, compared with $3.05 a year earlier and $4.48 a month prior. Diesel fuel averaged $6.35 per gallon, up from $3.66 last year.
Wright ties prices to Iran policy
Wright acknowledged that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon "absolutely has come at a cost." He said gasoline prices peaked several weeks ago and have been slowly declining, adding that Republican policies aim for "energy addition" while Democratic policies "never go away." He described the price elevation as temporary and conflict-related.
Political fallout questioned
Co-anchor Sandra Smith asked whether high energy prices pose a political liability for Republicans seven days before the midterm elections. Wright conceded voters are upset but argued the administration has been "all about doing exactly the opposite" of policies that needlessly drive up costs.
Historical comparison
Federal data show that during Trump's second term, Americans have paid an average of $3.74 per gallon for unleaded gas, compared with $3.69 under President Joe Biden. Prices exceeded $4 per gallon for 158 days in 2026, more than any previous year. Before the Iran war began in late February, unleaded fuel averaged less than $3 per gallon.
Trump's rhetoric
At a rally last week, Trump said he "doesn't give a damn" that Americans are paying more for gas and claimed the U.S. is making "hundreds of billions of dollars" on oil because of the Iran war.
Voter concerns
Iowa farmer Bethany Lnenicka, a three-time Trump voter, said groceries and other costs feel "out of control" and that income is not keeping pace.
Administration measures
To mitigate rising costs, the administration has increased domestic diesel production, granted tax breaks on commercial diesel fuel, and temporarily rolled back environmental rules on select gasoline blends.
