Trump Adviser Throws Him Under The Bus

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett is warning that Americans could continue feeling the effects of elevated fuel prices as the conflict involving Iran approaches its six-month mark.

Hassett, who heads the National Economic Council, acknowledged Sunday that gasoline prices remain higher than the administration would like. Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” he argued that steps taken by the Trump administration could help bring prices down significantly if the situation surrounding the Gulf is resolved.

The warning comes as the prolonged conflict has placed additional pressure on energy markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments, has contributed to higher gasoline prices in the United States.

According to AAA data cited Sunday, the national average for regular gasoline was approximately $4.01 per gallon. At the same point last year, the average was about $3.15 per gallon.

That difference has put the cost of fuel back into the spotlight for American households, businesses and commuters, particularly as the conflict shows little sign of an immediate resolution.

The situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is also becoming a major obstacle in negotiations involving the United States, Iran and Oman.

Iranian officials have presented a series of demands as discussions continue over reopening the strategically important waterway. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, outlined Tehran’s position Saturday in a statement carried by Iranian state media.

Among Iran’s demands are an end to the U.S. naval blockade in the strait, the removal of sanctions against Tehran and compensation for wartime losses. Iranian officials have also called for U.S. forces to leave Iran and for American attacks against Iranian allies to stop.

Zolghadr indicated that Iran intends to maintain those demands regardless of whether negotiations continue or fighting resumes.

The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important to the global energy market because of the enormous volume of oil and other energy products that normally pass through the waterway. Any prolonged disruption can therefore have consequences far beyond the immediate region.

For Americans, one of the most visible consequences has been at the gas pump.

The conflict has also created tensions between the United States and some of its allies, while recent polling has indicated that the military campaign remains unpopular with significant portions of the American public.

The economic consequences extend beyond gasoline as well. Higher energy costs can increase expenses throughout the economy, affecting transportation, manufacturing, shipping and the prices consumers ultimately pay for goods and services.

Hassett’s comments suggest the administration believes some of those pressures could ease if the Gulf situation is brought under control. But until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and the broader conflict moves toward a resolution, Americans may continue facing higher fuel costs.

With the war nearing six months, the question now is how long the disruption will last — and how much longer households and businesses will have to absorb the economic fallout.