Kaitlan Collins confronted Rep. Jim Jordan with a video of the Ohio Republican slamming $3.07 gas under President Biden, now that the national average has climbed to $4.53 during Donald Trump’s second term.
In the CNN interview on Thursday, May 14, Collins played the 2022 clip where Jordan called those prices a disaster for American families.
She then asked Jordan how he squares that criticism with current costs under a president from his own party.
Jordan Points to Effects of the U.S.-Israel Military Campaign Against Iran
Jordan defended the administration by pointing to the ongoing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began Feb. 28 and disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices jumped above $100 a barrel as a result.
“Gas prices were coming down until we had to deal with this situation,” Jordan said. “But that’s life.”
Collins pushed back, reminding him of Trump’s 2024 campaign promise that gas would fall below $2 a gallon if he won reelection. Trump also vowed to cut inflation and fix energy prices starting on day one.
“Neither of those is close to being done,” Collins said.
Jordan said he hopes prices will drop before the midterms. When Collins pressed him again on the day-one pledge, Jordan replied, “When prices come down, we’ll come back and talk about it.”
The testy exchange has drawn heavy attention online, with many calling it a difficult moment for Jordan and other Trump allies who spent years attacking Biden over gas prices.
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Collins also asked whether Trump is minimizing the financial strain on Americans, even for those who support the war against Iran.
“Come on, Kaitlan,” Jordan responded. “This is a president who did the largest tax cut in American history. Of course, he cares about them. That’s what you want.”
The interview later shifted to questions about family influence in the White House. Collins noted Jordan’s frequent criticism of Hunter Biden during the Biden years.
She then asked about Eric Trump, who is traveling with the president in China on a state visit.
Eric Trump holds no official government position but continues to work with the Trump Organization and ventures such as World Liberty Financial.
Jordan said he sees no problem with it. “I think it’s certainly fine for people to travel with the president on a state visit like this,” he said. When Collins asked about the business connections, Jordan added, “I don’t have any issues at all.”
The clash comes as many drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump. For an average vehicle, it’s now $20 to $30 more per fill-up than it was at the start of the year. Truckers, farmers, and small businesses report even sharper increases.
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While U.S. oil production remains high, fears of massive disruptions in the Middle East have pushed global prices higher.
The Hormuz Strait carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and tensions there ripple quickly to American gas stations.
White House officials argue the military action was necessary to address threats from Iran and that prices should ease once the situation stabilizes.
Trump has said strong leadership will eventually deliver the lower energy costs he promised.
Democrats and Republicans Disagree
Democrats have seized on the Collins-Jordan interview to accuse Republicans of hypocrisy.
They note that gas prices under Biden had fallen sharply by the end of his term before the latest jump.
Republicans counter that the current rise stems from unavoidable foreign policy decisions, not domestic failures.
They point to tax cuts and other Trump policies as steps that will help families over time.
The video clip has fueled heated debate on social media as Trump supporters say Collins engaged in gotcha journalism and that national security must take priority over short-term prices.
