GOP, Democrats Clash Over Surging Gas Prices Amid Iran War

Republicans downplay impact, Democrats say administration is 'clueless' on costs crushing Americans

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The war in Iran has driven the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in the United States to nearly $4, forcing Republicans to field an onslaught of election season attacks from Democrats who say the Trump administration is crushing Americans at the pump. President Trump has sought to downplay war-related cost increases, but motorists are becoming frustrated, with public opinion polls indicating that most Americans do not believe they should have to accept the rising gasoline costs.

Why it matters

Gas prices have become a central topic in the midterm elections, with the two parties responding with starkly different strategies. Republicans argue the price surge will be 'short-lived,' while Democrats portray the administration as 'clueless' and say the war is a 'tax' on Americans.

The details

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the president was focused on energy costs and predicted a 'very quick rebound' once the Iran conflict is resolved. Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya urged Americans to 'take one less trip to Starbucks' to save on gas. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican critic of the war, said some in his party 'quietly' agree with him that the conflict will cost over $100 billion in higher fuel prices. Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have accused the administration of a 'tone-deaf' response, likening Trump to Marie Antoinette, while Rep. Marcy Kaptur said the war is 'a tax' on Midwest industries and farmers.

  • The war in Iran has been ongoing for about 3 weeks as of March 2026.
  • The administration has forecast the conflict will last 4-6 weeks.

The players

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary

JD Vance

Vice President

Michele Tafoya

Republican Senate candidate in Minnesota

Thomas Massie

Republican Congressman from Kentucky

Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senate Minority Leader

Marcy Kaptur

Democratic Congresswoman from Ohio

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You're going to see this as short-lived. We're at week three of what the administration had forecast would be a 'four-to-six-week operation.'”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

“Maybe you take one less trip to Starbucks and so that gas goes a little further. Let's just try to be patriots about this.”

— Michele Tafoya, Republican Senate candidate

“If this causes the price of gasoline and diesel to go up 20 percent for the next year, that's going to cost over $100 billion to American consumers.”

— Thomas Massie, Republican Congressman

“America is being led into war by Marie Antoinette. Trump and his acolytes are unbelievable. They are so clueless. They're in a bubble.”

— Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Minority Leader

“It's a tax. I represent the industrial and agricultural Midwest. We feel this directly.”

— Marcy Kaptur, Democratic Congresswoman

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.