Trump claims Iran closing Strait of Hormuz 'doesn't really affect' US, contradicted by fact-checkers

During a press conference, President Trump claimed that Iran essentially shutting down the Strait of Hormuz 'doesn't really affect' the United States the way it does 'other countries.' FactCheck.org disputed this assertion, explaining that while a small share of U.S. oil imports comes from the Persian Gulf, the U.S. has been significantly affected by the global increase in oil prices resulting from the closure. The claim downplays the interconnected nature of global oil markets and the economic impact on American consumers, with gas prices having risen approximately 18% since the blockade began in late February 2026. This statement came amid escalating tensions with Iran, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth simultaneously vowing the U.S. would not allow an Iranian blockade of the strategic waterway. The contradiction between Trump's dismissive characterization and documented economic impacts on U.S. consumers represents a pattern of minimizing inconvenient facts.

"doesn't really affect the United States the way it does other countries" — Response to reporter question about the economic impact of Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade on American consumers during White House press conference