Vice President JD Vance convened a news briefing to deliberate on “anti-fraud projects” within the Indian Treaty Room at the White House compound in Washington, D.C., on May 13, 2026. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged Wednesday that the Trump government still has "significant ground to cover" concerning the financial climate, a day following President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks indicating he was not influenced by "the financial well-being of Americans" to broker a settlement to conclude the conflict with Iran.
The conflict has triggered skyrocketing energy expenses, and the most recent inflation data reflected a three-year peak, fueled by escalating fuel costs.
"My message to the citizens of America is that we recognize the substantial efforts required to achieve the prosperity the American populace is entitled to. The president is keenly aware of this issue. I'm acutely aware of this issue. We discuss it frequently," Vance stated.
Vice President JD Vance holds a press conference to discuss “anti-fraud initiatives” in the Indian Treaty Room at the White House complex in Washington, D.C., on May 13, 2026.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
On Tuesday, while en route to China, Trump remarked: "I do not dwell on the fiscal state of Americans. I don’t consider anyone. I focus on a single matter: We must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. That is paramount."
The president’s response, issued when asked if Americans’ monetary circumstances were a driving force in pursuing a deal with Iran, provoked disapproval from Democrats.
Vance implied that Trump’s words were portrayed inaccurately.
"Actually, I don’t believe that’s what the president articulated," he asserted. "I believe that’s a distortion of the president’s statement."
Vance further stated his concurrence with Trump’s stance that Iran should be barred from possessing nuclear arms.
The vice president proceeded to indicate that the president and the administration are "concerned about the economic welfare of the American people."
Vance’s remarks come following Tuesday’s inflation report, which indicates inflation at its highest point since May 2023. Although Vance admitted the administration has considerable economic work ahead, he maintained that the Biden administration was responsible.
The majority of Americans link economic issues with Trump; a recent CNN survey revealed that 70% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s economic management.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also sought to clarify Trump’s statements on Wednesday.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks at a news conference following a House Republican caucus meeting at the Republican National Committee headquarters, on May 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
"I am unaware of the context surrounding his comment, but I can assure you the president contemplates the financial situations of Americans. I communicate with him, on average, twice daily, sometimes three or four times, and we consistently address it," Johnson said on Capitol Hill.
"He’s sharply focused on resolving the conflict in Iran, because regaining control of the Strait of Hormuz — when we do so — will ease substantial strain on gas prices and other facets of the economy."
And while Republicans endeavor to gain mastery over the economy and inflation, Johnson acknowledged that laws aren’t the only determinants of affordability across the nation, indicating that the conflict in Iran "had a slight limiting effect on progress."
And as the national average price for a gallon of gasoline exceeds $4.51, Johnson voiced optimism that gas costs will decrease and inflation will stabilize after resolving the conflict in Iran, emphasizing that Trump is "singularly focused on the situation."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com