Iran War Underscores Risks of Trump's Fossil Fuel Focus

As oil prices surge, Trump's rollback of clean energy policies leaves Americans more vulnerable to supply shocks.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:39pm

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As the war in Iran drives up crude oil and gasoline prices, the Trump administration's strategy of prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy sources has left Americans with fewer alternatives and more vulnerable to supply disruptions, experts say. Trump's reversal of climate-friendly policies and promotion of oil and gas production have come at a cost to consumers, who are now facing higher energy bills and pain at the pump.

Why it matters

Trump's relentless focus on oil and gas has undermined efforts to diversify the country's energy mix and transition to cleaner sources. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked by Iran, the lack of alternative energy options has exposed Americans to the volatility of global oil markets, just as affordability becomes a top concern for voters in a pivotal midterm election year.

The details

Trump has aggressively rolled back renewable energy policies, providing tax breaks and fast-tracked permits for oil and gas drilling while blocking dozens of clean energy projects and canceling billions in clean energy grants. This has left the U.S. more reliant on fossil fuels, which are now subject to supply disruptions and price spikes due to the Iran conflict.

  • In his second term, Trump has doubled down on fossil fuels.
  • The national average gas price has jumped to about $3.84 per gallon as of March 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The Republican president who has prioritized oil and gas production over renewable energy in his second term.

President Joe Biden

The previous Democratic president who had unleashed a flurry of actions to promote clean energy and fight climate change.

Peter Gleick

A climate scientist and co-founder of the Pacific Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on global water sustainability.

Tyson Slocum

The energy director at Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group.

Gregory Brew

A senior analyst at the Eurasia Group.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest short-term losers of the war will be U.S. consumers of oil and gas, as energy prices rise.”

— Peter Gleick, Climate scientist and co-founder of the Pacific Institute

“It turns out fossil fuels have their own supply risks, and the administration has no answers.”

— Tyson Slocum, Energy director at Public Citizen

“The Iranian strategy of applying pressure to the United States will continue to play out, and President Trump will continue to feel the pressure.”

— Gregory Brew, Senior analyst at the Eurasia Group

What’s next

The U.S. is negotiating with countries heavily reliant on Middle East crude to join a coalition to police the Strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world's traded oil normally flows.

The takeaway

Trump's single-minded focus on fossil fuels has left the U.S. more vulnerable to energy price shocks and supply disruptions, underscoring the need for a more diversified and resilient energy portfolio that includes renewable sources like wind and solar.