‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,’ says Trump amid Iran talks | US news
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-13 09:03:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump has said the growing financial pressure inflicted on Americans by the war on Iran is “not even a little bit” motivating him to make a peace deal with Tehran. With US inflation at a three-year high and fuel costs still climbing after a sharp rise in oil prices, the US president stated on Tuesday that he is not focused on the economic hardship sparked by the conflict. “The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran [is] they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters at the White House before boarding a plane to China. “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all.”
These remarks come as the US midterm election campaign season approaches, a time marked by increasing concerns about affordability. Trump made his comments shortly after official figures revealed that US prices had risen 3.8% in April—the fastest pace since 2023—largely driven by energy costs that have surged since the US and Israel first attacked Iran in late February. Gasoline now averages over $4.50 a gallon, the highest price in four years, while food prices have also increased nearly 4%, and utility bills have climbed significantly.
Trump’s administration has faced challenges in addressing these economic pressures. Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously indicated that fuel prices could return to prewar levels by summer, but later admitted he “can’t make predictions.” Trump himself has offered vague forecasts about prices potentially going lower, remaining the same, or possibly increasing by November. His top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, claimed that relief would come “relatively quickly and certainly ahead of the election,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Americans should consider themselves fortunate compared to other countries suffering more severe economic strains.
On Tuesday, Trump pointed out that inflation was running at 1.7% before the war and predicted that a resolution would lead to a “massive drop in the price of oil.” He noted that dire forecasts—such as $300-a-barrel crude or a stock market crash of 25%—had not materialized, stating, “A lot of people predicted that. Well, it didn’t happen.” Despite rising inflation and consumer confidence dropping to levels last seen in 2022, Trump maintained that his economic policies were working “incredibly” and that once the war ends, Americans would see significant benefits. “When this war is over, oil is going to drop, the stock market is going to go through the roof, and truly, I think we’re in the golden age right now,” he said. “You’re going to see a golden age like we’ve ever seen before.”
### How this sits against verifiable accuracy
Trump’s statements imply that he is not influenced by the economic pressures facing Americans due to the war on Iran and that his primary concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He has dismissed the impact of rising inflation and fuel prices on his decision-making. However, the economic context surrounding his remarks—rising prices and inflation—contradicts his assertion that these factors do not motivate him. The excerpt highlights a disconnect between Trump’s focus on foreign policy and the domestic economic realities affecting American citizens.
### How this compares to what he has said before
In previous statements, Trump has emphasized the importance of economic stability and the impact of inflation on American families. During earlier discussions, he often linked economic performance to his administration’s policies, suggesting that a strong economy would bolster national security. His current dismissal of economic concerns in favor of a singular focus on Iran’s nuclear capabilities marks a shift from his earlier stance, where he acknowledged the interconnectedness of domestic economic health and foreign policy decisions.
### Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.
In summary, Trump’s recent comments reflect a prioritization of foreign policy over domestic economic concerns, which may raise questions about his administration’s responsiveness to the financial pressures faced by Americans. This shift in focus could have implications as the midterm elections approach, where economic issues are likely to be a central theme.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/trump-iran-war-americans-finances