President Donald Trump addresses the media prior to his departure from the White House, May 12, 2026 in Washington.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
President Donald Trump asserted that the monetary condition of Americans was "not even remotely" a motivating influence in his pursuit of a settlement to conclude the conflict in Iran, despite a recent report indicating inflation had grown for a second month running and reached its highest level in three years.
Trump offered the remark Tuesday while fielding questions from journalists as he left the Executive Mansion for a pivotal journey to China.
"Not in the slightest," the president stated when queried about the degree to which the financial well-being of Americans was prompting him to broker an accord with Iran, as the war extends into its eleventh week.
"The sole consideration for me when discussing Iran is ensuring they do not possess a nuclear weapon," Trump continued. "I give no thought to the economic circumstances of Americans. I consider no one. I concentrate on one thing: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. That is all."
ABC News White House Correspondent Karen Travers urged Trump to clarify whether he was taking into account the economic effects of the war on Americans. He stood firm.
"The paramount concern, without question, is that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon," Trump stated.
"What about the strain on Americans and current prices?" Travers of ABC inquired.
"Every American understands," Trump replied.
He added, "They comprehend that Iran cannot be permitted to have a nuclear weapon. Should Iran possess a nuclear weapon, the entire globe would face peril, given their instability."
President Donald Trump speaks to the press as he departs the White House, May 12, 2026 in Washington.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Democrats swiftly responded to Trump’s declaration. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reposted a video of Trump’s remarks on X, accompanying his post with the comment, "It shows."
When challenged on his 2024 campaign commitment to lower inflation following Tuesday’s report indicating a 3.8% price increase in April compared to the prior year, Trump maintained that his strategies are "working exceptionally well."
A recent survey conducted by ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos revealed that approximately two-thirds of Americans (65%) disapproved of Trump’s economic management. Roughly three-quarters of Americans express disapproval of his handling of the cost of living in the U.S. (76%), with only around a quarter approving (23%). Nearly as many disapprove of his handling of inflation (72%), a rise from the 65% disapproval recorded in February.
Several participants in the poll shared with ABC News the financial difficulties they are undergoing due to escalating fuel costs.
As of Tuesday, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. stood at $4.50, according to AAA data, an increase of more than $1.50 since the onset of the war in late February.
Trump, who on Monday suggested a suspension of the gas tax to provide some economic relief to Americans, reiterated on Tuesday his conviction that prices would decline significantly once the conflict reaches its conclusion.
"Once it concludes, you will witness a substantial decrease in oil prices," Trump conveyed to reporters.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com