Out of Touch: Democrats Dismiss Gas Prices as ‘Peanuts’

(SeaPRwire) –   President Donald Trump provoked anger from Democratic lawmakers by downplaying the surge in gasoline prices caused by the Iran war.

“This is peanuts,” Trump remarked about the increase. “I appreciate everybody putting up with it for a little while. It won’t be much longer.”

He delivered these comments on Monday while showing the press the construction site of the White House ballroom, a project estimated at roughly $400 million.

Questioned about further steps to address high fuel costs after suggesting the removal of the federal gas tax, Trump answered “maybe” before seemingly brushing off the price hikes. 

“But I don’t even think about that,” he went on. “What I think about is you can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”

Data from the American Automobile Association shows the national average price for gasoline has risen to $4.55 per gallon, an increase from $2.98 before the conflict started in late February.

Trump’s comments have faced substantial criticism from Democrats, who contend the President is disconnected from the financial struggles of ordinary Americans. 

“’Peanuts’ isn’t how my constituents would describe the spiking gas prices that make everyday life more expensive,” stated New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. “POTUS isn’t paying for this war. Middle class Americans are, and he couldn’t care less.”

Shaheen’s colleague from New Hampshire, Rep. Chris Pappas, echoed this sentiment.

“New Hampshire families and small businesses have paid over $70 million more for gas since the war in Iran began,” he stated.

“Maybe that is ‘peanuts’ to Donald Trump, but to Granite Staters, it is devastating,” he added, using the nickname for New Hampshire residents.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a frequent Trump adversary, said the President was “out of touch.”

“Trump doesn’t think about your finances—he even thought gas prices would go up even more,” he remarked.

Further criticism came from House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, who asserted that families “can’t afford Trump’s skyrocket gas prices.”

Other Democrats pointed out that Trump spoke beside the costly ballroom project, which has also been scrutinized for its budget. “Trump first, working Americans last,” said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, noting the President stood before the entrance of his “gold-plated” ballroom. 

Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan alleged that “no problem exists to Trump until it affects him personally.”

Separately, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island ridiculed the President’s statement by likening the gas price increase to a $1.59 bag of peanuts.

This marks another instance where Trump has minimized worries about the Iran war’s economic consequences for Americans. 

Last week, when asked if rising expenses for citizens were pushing him to seek an agreement with Iran, Trump answered: “Not even a little bit.”

“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,” Trump informed reporters. “I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all.”

How the affordability crisis in the U.S. has been exacerbated by the Iran war

Rising costs for fuel and other essentials continue to make affordability a key concern for Americans.

Democratic Rep. Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania, also denouncing the President’s “peanuts” comment, stated that “American drivers have paid $40 billion more for gas since Trump’s war of choice began.”

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy reports that Americans have paid over $39 billion extra to oil companies since prices started climbing with the war.

Research from Brown University indicates the increase totals more than $300 per household.

The energy price surge is mainly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a channel for one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments.

Iran’s sustained blockade of this vital route has elevated energy costs and raised fears of an impending global food crisis.

Food prices have been significantly affected. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced the Producer Price Index for April 2026 saw its biggest jump since April 2022, rising 1.7%. Inflation reached a three-year peak of 3.8% by late April, based on Consumer Price Index figures released last week.

Beyond the strain from the Strait’s disruption, American consumers are also experiencing the effects of Trump’s tariffs and climate-related risks. 

The escalating costs have become a major political liability for Trump, especially following his 2024 campaign promises to reduce prices for consumers.

A May 20 AP-NORC poll revealed that 67% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s management of the economy.

Likewise, a New York Times/Siena poll from May 11-15 found 64% of American respondents somewhat or strongly disapproved of Trump’s economic handling. 

Even with these poor approval numbers, Trump’s hold on GOP voters persists, as candidates he supports continue to win Republican primary races across the nation.