Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump over rising fuel costs, citing record August gas prices and renewed U.S. military strikes against Iran that pushed oil prices higher.

Political Clash Over Fuel Costs

Schumer argued that Americans have waited six months for relief from elevated fuel costs. He stated that gas prices just hit the highest-ever for August and that families are begging for relief.

On Wednesday, Schumer shared an Oval Office video clip on X showing Trump responding to questions about the renewed U.S. campaign against Iran. A reporter noted that strikes had pushed oil prices back toward $95 a barrel. Trump responded that prices "will come down" and said the campaign would not last "too long."

Trump also defended the U.S. position around the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "we’ve controlled and we are controlling the Hormuz Strait." He added, "We are bringing lots of boats out every day with millions of barrels of oil."

Gas Price Data

American Automobile Association data showed the national average for regular gasoline at $4.1203 a gallon on Wednesday, compared with $3.1869 a year earlier.

Market and Administration Reactions

Investor Ross Gerber criticized Trump last month, arguing that rising oil prices and borrowing costs were increasing pressure on the administration. Gerber stated that Trump had "no business starting a war" and claimed Iran knew Trump had "no support for his war going into an election."

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett acknowledged that fuel prices were "higher than we would like" because of the Iran conflict. He said steps had been taken to lower prices once the Gulf situation was resolved and attributed persistent grocery-price pressures to earlier inflation.

Escalation in Iran Conflict

On Tuesday, the U.S. reportedly adopted a "tanker for tanker" policy against Iran, striking two Iranian government tankers and about 100 targets. Iran condemned the attacks, while roughly 40 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military guidance.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would immediately reciprocate if Washington returned to its commitments under a June agreement. He also said Iran remained open to negotiations and that war served no one’s interests.

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley criticized the House of Representatives for passing a short-term funding bill that narrowly averted a government shutdown. President Donald Trump signed the measure into law on Tuesday.

The continuing resolution funds federal agencies through December 11. It extends authorities for programs including surface transportation and veterans services.

Fiscal Concerns Amid Debt Milestone

Haley warned on X that the approach explains why the country is in a "fiscal mess." She stated that the long-term cost falls hardest on "the American people and especially our younger generations."

U.S. national debt crossed $40 trillion last month. This milestone arrived as long-term Treasury yields climbed to their highest levels in more than two decades. The rising yields add to the mounting cost of financing America's growing pile of borrowing.

Political Reactions to Funding Measure

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the bill prevents a harmful government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted Republicans did their job weeks before the deadline.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) said the bill keeps troops paid and airports running. He expressed a preference for full-year spending bills in the lame-duck session when political temperatures cool.

Democrats raised objections regarding specific allocations. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said the bill gives "MORE money to ICE," calling it a rogue agency. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) accused Republicans of voting yes to beg for votes ahead of elections.

Legislative Context

The House passed the measure 370-48, following Senate passage on August 8. Since the start of Trump's second term, fights over health insurance subsidies and immigration enforcement checks have triggered three partial shutdowns totaling 161 days. This remains the longest stretch in U.S. history.