Trump Dismisses Soaring Gas Prices as 'Little Glitch' of Iran War

But potential political costs loom as cost of living remains a top issue heading into 2026 midterms

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump has dismissed the higher cost of gas, telling ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce it's "a little glitch." However, the cost of living remains one of the biggest issues heading into the 2026 midterms, where Trump and Republicans are seeking to maintain narrow majorities in Congress. A poll released by NBC News found Trump received his lowest ratings on his handling of inflation and the cost of living.

Why it matters

The soaring gas prices due to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran could pose a political challenge for Trump and Republicans as the cost of living remains a top concern for voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Gas prices skyrocketed to a national average of $3.47 on Monday, up nearly 50 cents from last week, according to data from AAA. Plus, oil prices on Monday surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 before falling lower later in the day. Trump has argued that the short-term oil price increase is a "very small price to pay" for U.S. and global safety and peace, but Democrats are seizing on the price jump to criticize Trump and his administration's handling of the war.

  • On March 7, 2026, President Trump and other members of the government attended the dignified transfer of six soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command who were killed in action by an Iranian drone strike on March 1 in Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, during Operation Epic Fury.
  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, gas prices skyrocketed to a national average of $3.47, up nearly 50 cents from the previous week.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has dismissed the higher cost of gas as a "little glitch" due to the ongoing U.S. war with Iran.

Mary Bruce

ABC News Chief White House Correspondent who interviewed President Trump.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, a New York Democrat, who has called for President Trump to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to alleviate the financial burden for Americans.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader, a New York Democrat, who criticized Republicans for "crashing the economy" and "spending billions dropping bombs in the Middle East."

Patrick De Haan

A petroleum analyst at GasBuddy who said Americans are currently experiencing "sticker shock" and that gas prices could jump another 15 to 35 cents a gallon over the next three days.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's fine. It's a little glitch. We had to take this detour.”

— President Donald Trump (ABC News)

“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace.”

— President Donald Trump (Social media)

“American families are suffering from higher prices as the effects of Trump's reckless war become pain at the gas pump and beyond as high gas prices trickle down making everything more expensive. They cannot afford to simply wait and hope prices come down. The President has a solution right here at home, and he should use it.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (Statement)

“Trump promised a Golden Age in America. Meanwhile. Republicans are crashing the economy, gas prices are out of control and the extremists are spending billions dropping bombs in the Middle East. You deserve better.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (X)

“The prices will come back down as soon as we get out of Iran, as soon as we finish turning them into fish food, which will be pretty soon.”

— John Kennedy, Republican Senator (Fox News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.