How long will high gas prices last? Trump’s team doesn’t seem to have any idea
How long will high gas prices last? Trump’s team doesn’t seem to have any idea
The Iran conflict has thrust gas prices into the spotlight as the central issue in domestic politics. The Trump administration’s messaging on the war has been marked by inconsistency, particularly regarding the timeline for prices to stabilize. On Monday, President Trump directly contradicted Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s earlier remarks, which had suggested that gas prices might not dip below $3 per gallon until 2027. This reversal highlights the administration’s lack of coordinated communication.
Just days prior, Wright had told CNN that prices would return to under $3 “before too long,” estimating weeks rather than months for the change. Yet, as the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, reality set in. By April 12, gas prices had hovered around $4 per gallon, according to Gas Buddy. Trump’s own statements had shifted from pessimism to optimism, creating a confusing narrative.
Conflicting Predictions
On Fox News, Trump stated that gas and oil prices might not decrease at all before the November midterm elections. “It could be [lower], or the same, or maybe a little bit higher, but it should be around the same,” he told Maria Bartiromo. However, days later, he claimed that “gasoline is coming down very soon and very big,” insisting prices would be “much lower before midterm.”
“In the worst case, this is a weeks, this is not a months thing,” Wright said.
Between these remarks, Wright softened his stance, calling the sub-$3 goal “an aggressive time frame now.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent further adjusted expectations, stating he was “optimistic that sometime between June 20 and September 20, that we can have $3 gas again.” His phrasing, “gas with a three in front of it,” allowed for a range from $3.00 to $3.99, which seemed modest given the current national average of over $4.
“I’m optimistic that during the summer, we will see gas with a three in front of it sooner rather than later,” Bessent said.
Despite these revisions, the administration’s messaging remains fragmented. Trump’s direct dismissal of Wright’s forecast as “totally wrong” underscores this. The confusion suggests a lack of message discipline, with the team failing to present a unified front on how long consumers will face elevated costs. This inconsistency not only complicates public understanding but also raises questions about the administration’s preparedness for the war’s economic impact.
