Kansas senator faces sharp criticism over high gas prices. Here's what to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Sen. Roger Marshall defended higher gas prices as necessary for national security.
- About 10,000 U.S. soldiers were deployed Monday to block Iranian ports.
- 59% of Americans said the U.S. made the wrong decision to use military force in Iran, per Pew Research.
Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall told Newsmax that rising gas prices amid the war with Iran are worth the national security trade-off, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and opponents.
His comments come as 59% of Americans believe the U.S. made the wrong decision to use military force in Iran, according to Pew Research.
FULL STORY: Kansas senator says to stop complaining about gas prices. Criticism mounts
Here are key takeaways:
• What Marshall said: He told Newsmax he’s sorry gas prices are rising but said national security “is even more important than your pocketbook.” He compared the conflict to World War II and said past generations shouldered personal costs for national security.
• The military situation: About 10,000 U.S. soldiers were deployed Monday to block Iranian ports. Iran threatened Wednesday to stop any vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has slowed — only 45 ships have passed since an April 8 ceasefire as of April 15, compared to over 100 that typically passed daily before the war.
• Trump’s response: President Donald Trump told Fox Business he believes the war is “close to over” and would continue as long as needed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
•Democratic pushback: A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids said Kansans “were promised lower costs” but are getting higher gas and grocery prices. Sen. Patty Murray called it “Trump’s reckless war of choice.”
•Primary challenger’s criticism: Democratic Senate candidate Noah Taylor said Marshall previously claimed Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated” but is now calling them a national security risk, while Kansans pay more for gas, fertilizer and diesel.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.