Trump Dismisses Fuel Price Concerns in Las Vegas Speech

President touts tax deductions for service workers while downplaying economic impact of war with Iran.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:53am

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A photorealistic painting of a lone gas pump in a shadowy urban setting, with warm light and deep contrasts, conveying a sense of economic uncertainty and unease.As fuel prices continue to rise, the president's dismissive tone toward the economic impact of the war with Iran raises concerns for Las Vegas service workers.Las Vegas Today

In a speech in Las Vegas, President Trump brushed off concerns over rising fuel prices, claiming the economic damage from the war with Iran has been less severe than expected. He touted a tax deduction for tipped workers as a signature policy achievement, while making little mention of the financial consequences of the ongoing conflict.

Why it matters

Trump's remarks come amid a tourism downturn in Las Vegas, with service workers and labor groups expressing concerns over declining visitation and affordability issues. The president's dismissal of fuel price hikes could further alienate middle and lower-class customers, potentially leading to layoffs in the city's service industry.

The details

Speaking at an event promoting a tax deduction for tipped workers, Trump claimed that 'we're having some fake inflation because of the fuel, the energy prices, which everybody said was going to $250.' He appeared to refer to the volatility in oil prices, which have risen substantially due to the war with Iran but dipped below $100 per barrel on Thursday. The president made little mention of gas prices above $5 per gallon in Las Vegas or the increasing cost of airline tickets driven by rising fuel costs.

  • The event took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The war with Iran has been ongoing for nearly two months.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is touting his administration's policies and downplaying the economic impact of the war with Iran.

Scott Bessent

The U.S. Treasury Secretary, who appeared alongside Trump at the event.

Ted Pappageorge

The secretary-treasurer of Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, who has expressed concerns over the 'Trump slump' and its impact on service industry workers.

Aury Nagy

A Republican running against Democratic Representative Susie Lee for a seat that includes southern Las Vegas, who acknowledged that 'prices are higher, electric, gas prices particularly.'

Joe Lombardo

The Republican Governor of Nevada, who is in a competitive re-election race this year against Democratic challengers who have made pocketbook issues central to their campaigns.

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What they’re saying

“We're having some fake inflation because of the fuel, the energy prices, which everybody said was going to $250.”

— President Donald Trump

“The Trump slump is real. Union members are quite nervous and concerned about if there's a continued reduction in visitation.”

— Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union Local 226

“Prices are higher, electric, gas prices particularly, but there are signs that relief is coming.”

— Aury Nagy, Republican Candidate for Congress

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

Trump's dismissive tone on fuel prices and the economic impact of the war with Iran could further alienate middle and lower-class service workers in Las Vegas, a city that has seen a tourism downturn and rising affordability concerns under his presidency.