Trump says he's not “in the slightest” interested in American money when it comes to Iran: “Only one thing matters”
US President Donald Trump told reporters before leaving for China that he does not take into account the economic burden that the war with Iran represents for ordinary citizens when trying to reach a convenient agreement with this country, reports NBC News.
During statements made on the south lawn of the White House, before leaving for China, Donald Trump was asked to what extent “the financial situation of the Americans” motivates him to conclude an agreement with Iran, writes News.ro.
“How little,” Trump replied.
“The only thing that matters when I talk about Iran is that they can't have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about the financial situation of the Americans. I don't think about anybody. I think about only one thing: we can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's it,” the US president said.
A reporter insisted on finding out if he really doesn't think about the economic impact of the war.
“The most important thing by far — including if our stock market, which, by the way, is at an all-time high — but even if our stock market goes up or down a little bit, the most important thing by far is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he repeated, adding, “Every American understands that.”
Trump on Iran War:
Reporter: What extent are Americans' financial situation motivating you to make a deal?
Trump: Not even a little bit. I don't think about Americans' financial situation pic.twitter.com/TJ94pGpqD8
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 12, 2026
70% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy
Since the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran in late February, Iran has blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which about 20 percent of the world's oil supply typically passes each day. As a result, gasoline prices in the US rose sharply. The national average price of unleaded gasoline was $4.50 a gallon on Tuesday, while diesel was $5.64 a gallon, according to a AAA tracker.
Rising fuel costs have had a ripple effect on the US economy, with inflation in April rising to 3.8%, the highest level in nearly three years, according to data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rising energy costs, the agency said, “account for over forty percent of the monthly increase in all items.”
Americans have overwhelmingly expressed their dissatisfaction with the state of the economy during Trump's tenure. A CNN/SSRS poll conducted between April 30 and May 4 found that 70% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy. This is the highest percentage recorded by the polling institute during the two terms of Trump. During his first term, the rate never exceeded 50%.
Additionally, an NBC News Decision Desk poll released last month found that two-thirds of respondents disapproved of Trump's handling of inflation, as well as his handling of the conflict with Iran.
On Sunday, Trump rejected Iran's latest offer to end the conflict, calling it “unacceptable”. He added on Monday that the ongoing truce is “on devices”, suggesting its extreme fragility and the possibility of armed strikes resuming.
Engaged since February in the war against Iran, the Pentagon has estimated the cost of this war at almost 29 billion dollars, that is 25 billion euros. In the 75th day of fighting, US inflation hit its highest level since May 2023, with oil prices holding above $100 a barrel.
