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Energy Secretary Wright says Trump knew Iran war would raise energy prices

On CBS's Face the Nation, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said President Trump was well aware of the risks to energy flows before launching the Iran war, but judged a nuclear-armed Iran unacceptable. Wright also predicted fuel prices would keep falling ahead of the midterms.

2 outlets · 1L · 0C · 1R First reported Account updated
Image: CBS News
Image: Washington Examiner

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The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday 4 October, on CBS's "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan", that President Trump was "well aware of the risks to energy flows" before launching the war in Iran earlier this year. Mixed · 2Wright quoted Trump as saying he knew it would raise energy prices in the short run: "I'm going to take a hit there, but I got to do the right thing." Right · 1Wright argued that "the world cannot sustain a nuclear-armed Iran" and said that if Trump's decisions were political he would have "kicked the can down the road" to the next president. The Washington Examiner says the strike came in February.

Left · 1Wright expressed confidence that prices will fall, citing increasing supplies from the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. gasoline production and the end of the summer driving season. Asked whether prices would fall over the next four weeks, he said "absolutely". Left · 1CBS reports diesel prices recently topped $6.50 a gallon, squeezing farmers, construction firms and food banks. Wright said they were down a little over 20 cents in recent days and that "you should see it below $6 before too long," though he did not know exactly when. Left · 1Wright called last week's Group of Seven agreement to release 100 million barrels of fuel over four months a "big deal" that would push diesel prices down in the U.S. and elsewhere through the winter.

Mixed · 2He declined to say whether Trump would escalate militarily after the midterm elections, saying Trump is "always planning for contingencies and he's always negotiating" and that diplomatic and military tracks remain open. Left · 1Asked whether Trump has ruled out a diesel export ban, which Wright has opposed, Wright said the president is "throwing out ideas" every day and remains engaged in discussions. Mixed · 2The interview comes about a month before the November midterm elections. The Washington Examiner says Trump's approval has declined during his second term and that high prices have been voters' main reason for souring on him; it attributes the inflation to the White House's inability to quell price rises that began under Joe Biden.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left1 outlet

Framing
CBS News reports the interview as a straight account of Wright's remarks, centred on the price squeeze on consumers and what the administration is doing about it, with the midterm context noted.
Emphasis
Diesel and gasoline price levels and forecasts, the G7 fuel release, the diesel export ban question, and Wright's defence of Trump.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not frame Wright's remarks as an admission or discuss Trump's approval rating.
Charged language
“soaring gas and diesel prices”“squeezing farmers”
For example
“Americans have been feeling the financial squeeze of soaring gas and diesel prices in recent months.” — CBS News

Centre0 outlets

No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Right1 outlet

Framing
The Washington Examiner leads on Trump's decision-making, presenting him as sacrificing political standing to stop a nuclear Iran, while also noting the political risk of the admission.
Emphasis
Wright's account of Trump's motives, Trump's falling approval, inflation and Democratic positions ahead of the midterms.
Leaves out or plays down
Gives little on diesel prices, the G7 release or the export ban discussion.
Charged language
“Wright’s admission”“culturally unpopular positions”“Socialist figures”
For example
“Wright’s admission that Trump knew initiating a military conflict with Iran could lead to a rise in global energy prices comes roughly a month before November’s midterm elections.” — Washington Examiner
“Wright also offered insight into Trump’s decision-making before he chose to strike Iran last winter, saying the president sacrificed political standing” — Washington Examiner