Trump Warns Gas Prices May Remain High Through Midterm Elections

President says oil and gasoline costs could stay elevated despite planned naval blockade of Iran

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:11am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of an oil tanker ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with the vessel's form fractured and repeated in overlapping geometric waves of deep blue, teal, and charcoal gray, conveying the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical conflict.As tensions escalate over the blockade of a critical global oil chokepoint, the ripple effects of the U.S.-Iran conflict threaten to disrupt energy markets and roil domestic politics.Miami Today

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the price of oil and gasoline may remain high through November's midterm elections, acknowledging the potential political fallout from his decision to attack Iran six weeks ago. Trump also announced the U.S. Navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz and intercept any ship that paid a crossing fee to Iran, a move that could add more uncertainty to the conflict.

Why it matters

The war with Iran has caused global oil prices to skyrocket, leading to a spike in U.S. gas prices that has become a major political liability for Trump. The president's approval rating has hit the lowest levels of his second term, raising concern among Republicans that his party could lose control of Congress in the midterm elections.

The details

Trump's comments on Sunday came after weeks of asserting that the spike in prices is a short-term phenomenon, though his top advisers are cognizant of the war's economic impacts. The average price for regular gas at U.S. service stations has exceeded $4 per gallon for most of April. The new naval blockade tactic is in response to Iran's own closure of the Strait of Hormuz's critical shipping lanes.

  • The war began on February 28, when the U.S. launched a joint bombing campaign with Israel against Iran.
  • Trump made his comments on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who launched the attack on Iran and is now warning of high gas prices through the midterm elections.

Mark Warner

A U.S. Senator from Virginia and the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, who questioned the strategy behind Trump's planned naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ron Johnson

A Republican U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who said achieving U.S. aims in Iran 'could take a long time' and that 'it's going to be a long-term project'.

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What they’re saying

“It could be, or the same, or maybe a little bit higher, but it should be around the same.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“I don't understand how blockading the strait is going to somehow push the Iranians into opening it.”

— Mark Warner, U.S. Senator

“The Iranians have hundreds of speedboats where they can still mine the strait or put bombs against tankers in closing the strait. How is that going to ever bring down gas prices?”

— Mark Warner, U.S. Senator

“It's going to be a long-term project. I never thought this would be easy.”

— Ron Johnson, U.S. Senator

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.