Trump’s Iran Claims Contradicted Amidst Rising Gas Prices

Trump Claims War Going ‘Swimmingly,’ But Facts Tell Different Story

In a fiery segment on ‘The Last Word,’ host Jonathan Kart challenged President Donald Trump’s assertions about the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump claimed the war was progressing smoothly and nearing an end, even stating the Strait of Hormuz was fully open. However, evidence presented suggests a starkly different reality, with rising gas prices and disrupted shipping routes impacting Americans.

Strait of Hormuz Dispute and Economic Fallout

President Trump initially declared the Strait of Hormuz was “fully open and ready for full passage.” He later corrected himself to “The Straight of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage.” Despite these claims, the waterway’s status remains contentious. Congressman Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, stated directly that “there’s no truth whatsoever to any of these claims.” He explained that while Iran may have stated the Strait is open, ships must still navigate specific routes and get clearance from Iranian forces, a situation far from the pre-war normalcy.

The economic consequences are already being felt. A Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 65% of registered voters blame President Trump for the recent surge in gas prices.

The poll also indicated that 57% of voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy. According to AAA, gas prices remain over $1 per gallon higher than before the conflict began, contradicting Trump’s assertion that they have come down significantly.

“The Strait of Hormuz is not actually open like it was before the war started. … So even that, even the thing that we had before the war started, Strait of Hormuz isn’t open and we’ve done nothing about the nuclear weapons, nothing about the support for terrorism, nothing about their ballistic missile program.” – Congressman Adam Smith

Negotiations and Unverified Claims

Axios reported that the U.S. and Iran are negotiating a plan that could involve releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran abandoning its enriched uranium stockpile. The White House responded by stating, “Productive conversations with Iran continue, but we will not negotiate via the press.” Congressman Smith expressed strong skepticism about Trump’s claims of Iranian agreement.

Smith detailed the lack of direct communication, noting that negotiations are happening through intermediaries like Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar. “Donald Trump doesn’t have direct conversations with any Iranians.

And yet, he keeps going out to the American people and saying, ‘The Iranians told me they’ve agreed to this, this, this, that,'” Smith stated. He questioned the logic of Trump’s strategy, suggesting it’s unclear how Iran would be swayed by claims it denies.

Midterm Election Concerns and Voter Sentiment

The interview also touched upon the upcoming midterm elections, with a focus on President Trump’s declining approval ratings. A report from The Atlantic suggests that Trump’s current approval is lower than it was before the 2018 midterms, when Democrats achieved significant gains. Key demographics like independents, young voters, and Latinos, crucial to Trump’s 2024 victory, are reportedly no longer firmly in his corner.

A Yale University poll indicated that 57% of voters disapprove of Trump’s job performance, with significant disapproval among younger age groups. This sentiment is reflected in Arizona, where local politicians are urging Trump to limit his campaign appearances. Republican strategists worry that Trump’s presence might remind voters of their grievances, potentially hurting Republican candidates in competitive races.

Arizona’s Political Landscape and Economic Grievances

Congressman Greg Stanton of Arizona highlighted the disconnect between Trump’s promises and the reality faced by voters. He described Trump’s promises of lower prices as a “complete and total disaster,” pointing to empty seats at a recent Turning Point event in Phoenix. Stanton emphasized that young people are “repelled by this president” and his policies, citing increased healthcare costs and the impact of tariffs on everyday goods.

Stanton further stated that the war in Iran has significantly raised energy and gas prices, leading voters to blame Trump and Republicans for their economic struggles. He characterized Trump’s policies as “backwards” and noted that Republicans in Congress are also expected to face consequences for not providing oversight of the administration. The race for two Arizona House seats is considered a toss-up, with Democrats expressing confidence in flipping them, partly due to the perceived negative impact of Trump’s endorsement.

Broader Concerns: Voting Rights and Financial Influence

The discussion also addressed concerns about voting rights and the influence of money in politics. Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar voiced worries about potential chaos in the election system due to new voting restrictions. He emphasized the importance of protecting access to the ballot box and fighting against policies that could disenfranchise voters, particularly in minority communities.

Aguilar also addressed fears of federal agents being deployed at polling stations, stating that secretaries of state are prepared to legally challenge any intimidation tactics. He noted that the mere discussion of such measures creates fear and that protecting voters’ safety and security is paramount. The segment concluded by highlighting President Trump’s continued legal challenges, including a halted construction project at the White House and ongoing investigations, suggesting a pattern of legal setbacks.

Source: The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell – April 17 | Audio Only (YouTube)