Vance’s ‘tin-pot dictator’ gas price remark draws Trump comparison as Iran war drives costs higher

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Vice President JD Vance faced criticism on social media Monday over his remarks about dictators who drive up gasoline prices, with users pointing to rising fuel costs amid President Donald Trump’s war with Iran and questioning whether the comments also apply to the current administration.

Speaking at a rally in Mississippi, Vance acknowledged public frustration over high gasoline prices and inflation while arguing that energy costs have historically surged during international crises.

“Now you will hear … many say that gas prices are too high, that there’s still so much work to do on correcting the terrible Biden inflation, the highest inflation that we saw in 50 years in our country, and I understand that. I agree with it,” he said.

Vance pointed to previous gasoline price spikes, including those following Russia’s 2022 war on Ukraine and increases in 1979, 2001 and 2007.

"They skyrocket every time some tin-pot dictator decides to throw a tantrum. But we have to remember that the Democrats’ solution to this problem is to whine and build a few windmills," he said.

The remarks quickly spread across social media, with some users drawing a direct comparison between Vance’s description and Trump, arguing that the vice president’s words could be turned back on his own administration as Americans face rising prices at the pump.

With the Nov. 3 midterm elections approaching, the exchange has added to the political debate over the economic consequences of the Iran war as gasoline prices remain a concern for American households.

US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer mocked Vance’s remarks.

“The truest thing @JDVance has said in a long, long time,” Schumer wrote on the US social media platform X.

Diyar Güldoğan