Story perspectives

Democrats Highlight Trump's “No American Concern” as Gas Hits $4.50

5/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Democratic strategists are preparing an ad showing President Donald Trump’s claim he ‘doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation’ amid Iran, which White House said reflects priority.
President Donald Trump told Beijing he does not consider Americans’ financial situation while U.S. seeks to stop Iran’s nuclear weapon.
Gasoline rose to $4.50—a 50% jump since February—while James Comer and Mike Johnson said inflation hit 6% and could hurt party’s November election odds.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Arab oil embargo, launched after the Yom Kippur War, forced the United States to ration gasoline and saw retail prices jump 43%—from 38.5 ¢ in May 1973 to 55.1 ¢ a year later. Nixon’s administration created the Federal Energy Office to coordinate the response, shaping today’s debates over Trump’s dismissal of rising fuel costs.

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Story summary

Democratic strategists are preparing an ad showing President Donald Trump’s claim he ‘doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation’ amid Iran, which White House said reflects priority.
President Donald Trump told Beijing he does not consider Americans’ financial situation while U.S. seeks to stop Iran’s nuclear weapon.
Gasoline rose to $4.50—a 50% jump since February—while James Comer and Mike Johnson said inflation hit 6% and could hurt party’s November election odds.

1 / 2