When President Trump was running in 2024 he promised to tame inflation and keep us out of “forever wars.” So far he has done neither.

His invasion of Iran and their decision to close the Strait Of Hormuz (or at least attack ships attempting to pass through) has led to a dramatic rise in oil prices which affects nearly everything.

A few days ago, on his way to China, he was asked to what extent “Americans’ financial situations” were motivating him to make a deal with Iran. He responded: “Not even a little bit. 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. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing — we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all.”

And while I’m not convinced Iran ever posed a nuclear threat to us, I do understand that he’s concerned about national security.

That said, his remarks are nothing short of stunning. Inflation hurts everyone but it disproportionately hurts those who live paycheck to paycheck or on a fixed income. It forces them to make difficult choices (gas vs. food, medication vs. rent, etc.).

He and his supporters claim that he was taken out of context and he cares deeply about Americans’ financial situations. But remember, this is a man who means what he says and says what he means. His comments have never been nuanced or had hidden meanings. There are no layers of complexity.

Remember this on your next visit to the voting booth.