Former Vice President Kamala Harris has blamed President Donald Trump for rising gas prices, linking them to the U.S. war with Iran. In a social media post, Harris stated that the surge in fuel costs—now over $4 per gallon—is a direct result of Trump's 'war of choice' in Iran. She criticized the administration for prioritizing political interests over the well-being of working Americans.
The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, has led to disruptions in global oil supply, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has targeted energy facilities and hindered commercial shipping. These actions have contributed to a sharp increase in fuel prices worldwide.
Meanwhile, Republican officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have accused Democrats of employing similar tactics by blaming price gouging for economic challenges. They point to past Democratic rhetoric, such as President Joe Biden's 2022 claims that oil companies were responsible for high gas prices during the Ukraine-Russia war. Harris herself had previously suggested that rising gas prices were the 'price to pay for democracy' amid the Ukraine conflict.
The inflation rate in the U.S. has also risen, reaching 3.3% in March, the highest since May 2023. Republicans argue that Democrats have a history of deflecting responsibility for economic issues, including the Inflation Reduction Act, which critics say did little to curb inflation.
The political back-and-forth comes as both parties seek to capitalize on economic concerns ahead of the midterm elections.