House Speaker Johnson Defends Trump Remark Dismissing Americans' Financial Worries

House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to defend President Donald Trump after Trump dismissed concerns about Americans' financial situations in comments on Iran negotiations.

Trump made the remark to a reporter before leaving for China when asked if Americans' financial situations motivated him to make a deal with Iran. "Not even a little bit," Trump replied. "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."

Johnson, when pressed on the comment, said he did not know the context in which Trump made it. He added that he speaks with Trump two to four times a day and they discuss Americans' financial situations constantly. "He is laser-focused on trying to resolve the conflict in Iran," Johnson said. "Because if we get the Strait of Hormuz reopened, that will alleviate pressure on gas prices and other things in the economy."

The exchange came as Trump faces criticism over rising prices for items like beef, coffee and tomatoes. Johnson blamed inflation from the Biden years, which he said hit a 40-year high, though the April annual inflation rate stood at 3.8 percent.

Trump has recently focused on other issues, including calls to imprison Barack Obama over 2016 events and a retribution campaign against political enemies like James Comey, whom he called a "dirty cop." He orchestrated a "seashell" indictment against Comey after a previous one was dismissed.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman offered support on Fox News, saying Trump's words got clipped but that he really meant Iran cannot build a bomb. Fetterman backed Trump over his support for Israel and action against Iran. He also opposed invoking the War Powers Act, which would require congressional approval to continue the conflict. Three Republicans broke ranks on that vote.

No president can quickly reverse economic conditions alone. Even with Kevin Warsh confirmed as Federal Reserve chairman at Trump's urging, interest rate cuts are not assured.