House Judiciary Chairman Jordan Addresses Rising Gas Prices in CNN Interview

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) addressed rising gas prices during an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Thursday. Jordan said the increase is a side effect of actions taken to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon. Collins noted that President Trump had promised during his 2024 campaign to bring gas prices under $2 a gallon.

She pointed out that average U.S. gas prices have now risen above $4.50 amid the conflict with Iran. Jordan responded that gas prices had been coming down before the current situation developed. "Well, gas prices were coming down until we had to deal with this situation, but you know, that’s life, that’s dealing with the world and the world we live in," he said.

He added that President Trump makes decisions in the best interest of the nation. Jordan stated that a commander in chief should be willing to take necessary actions for long-term security. The interview occurred after President Trump told reporters earlier this week that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is his sole motivation.

"The only thing that matters, when I’m talking about Iran: They can’t have a nuclear weapon. I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation," Trump said. The United States has been less impacted than many other countries because of its energy independence.

However, the conflict has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. An Associated Press poll found that 80 percent of Americans are concerned about Iran having a nuclear weapon. It remains unclear which specific poll President Trump referenced when he cited a figure of 85 percent.

Collins told Jordan that saying "that’s life" might not make people feel better about higher prices. Jordan replied that the phrase was hers, not his, and reiterated that the public wants a leader focused on national safety. Jordan said he hopes gas prices will return below $2 soon.

He added that the country understands decisions must be made on Iran for long-term national security. "I want gas prices low, too," Jordan said. "But we also don’t want Iran to get a nuclear weapon.

Background on the Conflict The current situation stems from U.S.

operations in Iran. The conflict has affected global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. actions have consistently received negative polling results according to the Washington Examiner. Jordan emphasized the importance of preventing nuclear weapons development by Iran.