Fox News Host Cuts Off Trump Goon Desperately Trying to Spin Energy Crisis
Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer pressed Kevin Hassett on the high price of oil and gas.
President Donald Trump’s top economic adviser got shut down by Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer while trying to shift the blame for high gas prices.
“These higher prices are a temporary phenomenon and it’s going to end very soon,” Kevin Hassett, director of the president’s National Economic Council, said Friday.
“Okay, I watch the gas signs anytime I’m on the road,” Hemmer replied, reminding Hassett that many people will be traveling for Easter weekend.
Gas prices have surged since the beginning of the war.
MS/REUTERS
Since the U.S. and Israel launched the first strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, the price of gas at home has climbed, on average, roughly 37 percent. That translates to an increase of more than $1 per gallon.
The surge in energy costs is tied to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil tankers.
Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported strike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 31, 2026.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation/via REUTERS
With no definitive signs of the war de-escalating, Hassett complained that the Biden administration depleted the strategic petroleum reserve the White House is now relying upon to stabilize energy prices. Once again, Hemmer appeared unmoved by the argument.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
“Ok, but that was then, this is now,” the Fox News host replied, pointing to the surging price of West Texas Crude, which has climbed from $67 to $111 since the conflict with Iran began.

An oil pumpjack works at dawn in the Permian Basin oil field on January 20, 2016 in the oil town of Andrews, Texas.
Spencer Platt/Getty
“I think the question there is: what can our economy tolerate?” Hemmer asked.
Hassett responded by praising the performance of the economy, which added more jobs than expected in March, while insisting that the high prices are only temporary.
“President Trump just gave an amazing address about that,” Hassett said.
In his speech, the president said the military operation against Iran would last two to three more weeks and that gas prices would quickly return to pre-war levels.
“The bottom line is that energy prices are going down as this quiets down,” Hassett said.
In fact, the price of Brent crude oil climbed Friday, reaching $109 per barrel.

Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images
This comes as markets show skepticism of a quick end to the war.
On Friday, U.S. officials said Iran had shot down an American F-15 fighter jet, prompting special forces operators to enter Iranian territory to rescue the ejected crew members. One was reported rescued by Friday afternoon.

Images distributed by Iranian state media purportedly showing the wreckage of an f-15 fighter jet shot down by Iran.
Iranian state media
In addition, the U.S. began bombing civilian infrastructure in Iran, hitting a bridge as part of an effort to force the country into a deal.
The war has been underway for roughly five weeks, with Trump routinely offering vague timelines.
Unlock a year of full access to The Looker and The Daily Beast for $35.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in
Login dialog

ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…
ADVERTISEMENT