Rove: Trump must stop 'gaslighting' Americans over economy

President Donald Trump has urged voters to accept higher gas prices as a necessary sacrifice for the ongoing war against Iran, despite growing public discontent over the conflict and its economic impact. National gas prices in the U.S. have surged since the start of the war, with the average reaching $4.06 per gallon as of Sunday, marking a sharp increase compared to both monthly and yearly averages. The spike follows the disruption of oil supplies through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. According to GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan, the current price level represents an unprecedented high for this time of year, with Americans projected to spend an additional $338 million weekly on gasoline alone. The rise in fuel costs has fueled frustration among many Americans, who view the increased expenses as a direct consequence of the administration’s foreign policy decisions. Despite the financial burden, Trump has refused to acknowledge the hardship, instead framing the situation as a temporary measure required to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. At a political rally in Garden City, New York, he defended the decision to strike Iran, stating that the cost of ensuring national security was justified. He emphasized that the war would ultimately lead to the designation of the Hormuz Strait as U.S. territory, reinforcing his stance that the conflict is essential for long-term strategic interests. Public sentiment, however, appears to diverge significantly from the administration’s position. Recent polling data reveals widespread skepticism toward the war effort. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in early April showed that 62 percent of respondents either somewhat or strongly disapproved of how Trump is managing the conflict, with nearly half expressing uncertainty about the administration’s objectives. An Ipsos poll released later in the month found that 58 percent of U.S. adults disapproved of the military strikes in Iran, while only 37 percent supported them. Crucially, 51 percent of respondents believed the war was not worth the effort, compared to just 24 percent who thought it had been beneficial. Critics within Congress have also voiced concerns about the justification for the war. Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff accused the Trump administration of basing its actions on misinformation, citing claims that the Iranian nuclear threat had been eliminated and that an imminent attack was imminent. These assertions, he argued, were false and contributed to the escalation of hostilities. Ossoff further criticized the administration for declaring victory prematurely, noting that key objectives such as securing control over the Hormuz Strait and dismantling Iran’s nuclear program remain unachieved. His remarks underscore a broader perception that the war lacks clarity and has resulted in unintended consequences. Meanwhile, economic analysts and political strategists have raised alarms about the administration’s messaging regarding the economy. Republican strategist Karl Rove condemned Trump’s refusal to address rising prices, calling his approach “gaslighting.” Rove argued that the president’s insistence on economic optimism ignores the tangible effects of inflation on everyday consumers. This critique aligns with broader concerns that the war has exacerbated existing economic pressures, particularly as inflation has remained elevated despite recent slowdowns. As the conflict continues without a clear resolution, the tension between public opinion and official narratives grows. While the administration frames the war as a necessary defense against existential threats, many Americans remain unconvinced. The economic fallout, including soaring gas prices, adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue. With no immediate signs of de-escalation, the debate over the war’s justification and its impact on domestic life shows no signs of abating.