Trump Celebrates High Gas Prices

March 13, 2026·1 hr 13 min·5 clips

Over 100 little girls were killed by a US missile strike on their elementary school in Iran, costing $11.3 billion.

Hosts John Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer discuss Trump's Iran war, which Trump calls "Operation Epic Fury" and claims is already won. Seven American troops have died, 140 wounded including eight with severe brain injuries, and over 100 girls were killed when a US missile struck an elementary school. The first week cost $11.3 billion, more than extending Obamacare subsidies would have required. Despite Trump's victory claims, the new younger Ayatollah issued his first public statement vowing revenge, and Iran has allegedly planted at least 10 mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The FBI warned of potential drone attacks on California from offshore ships, and Trump mentioned terrorist sleeper cells in America. Trump uses "Operation Epic Fury" as an applause line at rallies despite ongoing casualties and chaos. Marco Rubio articulates objectives including destroying Iran's Navy and preventing nuclear weapons development, but the enriched uranium remains and regime change appears unlikely. An Axios source says Trump is "enthusiastic" about continuing the war for three to four more weeks. Oil reached $100 per barrel with projections of $140 if the Strait remains closed through April. When asked about this, Trump posted that high oil prices are good because "we make a lot of money," benefiting oil companies at consumers' expense. The New York Times reported Trump and advisers miscalculated Iran's response, and White House aides now fear telling Trump bad news because he insists everything is going great. Pfeiffer argues this creates a dangerous information vacuum for presidential decision-making. The hosts note Iran will continue attacks regardless of whether Trump declares the war over, and the administration's video game-style propaganda featuring sports highlights spliced with missile strikes seems designed to normalize and trivialize warfare. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps threatens to push oil to $200 per barrel, which would create $5+ gas prices. Joe Rogan, who supported Trump in 2024, criticized the war saying "it's terrifying" and "Republicans are really fucked," representing broader disillusionment among young male Trump voters. Peter Hamby's reporting and John Della Volpe's focus groups show young men feel betrayed, having voted for Trump specifically because they feared Kamala Harris would start wars and institute a draft. The hosts argue Trump has broken promises on three key issues: prices (which he's raised), immigration (which exceeded promises), and war (which he's now started). They contend Democrats must clearly position themselves as an anti-war party rather than proving toughness through hawkish rhetoric. The conversation maintains a critical analytical tone focused on strategic failures and political consequences. Pfeiffer calls the situation "one of the worst own goals in history" with no strategic imperative. The hosts frequently express frustration with the administration's incoherence and the nihilistic "incel griper" communication strategy carried over from the campaign. This episode serves audiences seeking detailed policy critique, political strategy analysis, and accountability journalism on foreign policy decisions. Progressive listeners concerned about war costs and consequences will find thorough examination of casualties, economic impacts, and broken campaign promises.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Pod Save America