House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries found himself defending Democratic records on inflation and fuel costs during a television interview after criticizing President Donald Trump over rising gas prices.
According to Fox News, the New York Democrat appeared Monday on “Good Day New York,” where he discussed Trump’s recent peace agreement involving Iran and the economic impact of the conflict.
Jeffries argued that the military confrontation had placed additional financial pressure on Americans.
“It was a reckless war of choice that has obviously cost the American people significantly, particularly as it relates to skyrocketing gas prices in an environment where the cost of living was already too high,” Jeffries said.
The conversation shifted when co-host Rosanna Scotto pointed out that gas prices also climbed during previous Democratic administrations.
After Jeffries stressed the need to focus on domestic concerns, Scotto responded by mentioning fuel prices under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
“Gas prices were up under Obama, too. And Biden, right?” Scotto said.
Jeffries began responding, but Scotto continued pressing the issue.
“Didn’t we have gas prices over $5?” she asked.
Jeffries replied by referencing economic conditions that followed the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Well, there were gas prices in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic situation…” he said.
Scotto then raised another issue tied to inflation.
“And I remember eggs were like $12 a dozen,” she said.
The discussion moved on shortly afterward, with Scotto changing topics to the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory.
The exchange drew attention because it came as Jeffries attempted to criticize the Trump administration over fuel costs while facing questions about price increases that occurred during Democratic administrations.
According to federal energy data, the national average price for gasoline reached a record high of $5.02 per gallon in June 2022 during Biden’s presidency.
At the time, many Democrats attributed the spike to economic disruptions following the pandemic and the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Some lawmakers and officials referred to the increase as “Putin’s price hike.”
Under President Donald Trump, gas prices climbed above $4.50 per gallon last month before easing in recent weeks amid ongoing negotiations involving Iran.
The brief exchange highlighted how fuel prices remain a politically sensitive issue as both parties continue debating responsibility for the cost of living facing American families.