Trump's Indifference Fuels Outrage as Gas Prices Soar Amid Iran Negotiation Stalemate

Donald Trump’s casual admission of being "in no hurry" to negotiate with Iran has ignited fury among Fox News viewers, who are grappling with rising gas prices directly linked to the ongoing conflict.

In a recent interview with Lara Trump, the president stated his priority is to secure "a good deal," dismissing urgency despite the financial strain on Americans. He claimed, "I’m in no hurry. I’d like to say I’m in a hurry because, you know, gasoline prices are gonna come tumbling down, but if you are gonna be in a hurry, you’re not gonna make a good deal."

Trump's comments come on the heels of viewers branding him a "delusional idiot" for his previous boasts about managing the Iran war. His latest remarks have only intensified criticism, with many taking to social media to express their discontent over his lack of action that could alleviate financial burdens on citizens.

One critic on X stated, "He’d like to say he’d help Americans, but he chooses not to." Another user pointed out the absurdity of negotiating with a country that isn’t even engaging in talks: "They aren’t even talking to him. You can’t make a deal with a Country that isn’t even talking to you."

Accusations of self-interest surfaced as well, with one tweet suggesting, "Because Trump wants gasoline to become $10 a gallon so that he can make a lot more money in the stock market. No wonder he’s delaying Iran negotiations."

Questions arose about the status of negotiations, with one person asking, "Didn’t everyone just say a deal was 95% done and days away like a week ago?" Another chimed in, suggesting Trump is merely looking for a temporary political win while ignoring the nuclear material issue.

In mid-April, gasoline prices had shown signs of relief, dropping daily for nearly two weeks as optimism grew that the Iran conflict might be winding down. Rob Smith from S&P Global Energy noted that after an initial ceasefire announcement, crude prices fell, leading to lower gasoline prices as retailers adjusted accordingly.

However, this downward trend reversed as hostilities escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, tightening oil supplies. Smith warned of a "fundamental shortfall" that would keep prices elevated as long as tensions persist in the region.

The price of crude oil is the primary driver behind gasoline costs. In 2025, oil prices accounted for approximately 51% of the price per gallon of gasoline in the U.S., according to the Energy Information Administration.

When crude oil prices rise, gasoline prices typically follow suit. The ongoing conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing unprecedented supply disruptions in oil markets and pushing prices as high as $112 a barrel in early April.