White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is facing intense scrutiny after a heated exchange regarding President Trump’s decision to launch "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran despite campaign promises of no new wars.
During a press briefing on March 25, 2026, Leavitt was asked what the President has to say to young voters who backed him for lower prices and global stability, only to now face skyrocketing gas costs and active military conflict.
"President Trump is doing this for you," Leavitt responded firmly, addressing the demographic that was instrumental to his 2024 victory. "He is doing this for young people so they don't have to live in a world where a rogue terrorist regime can threaten their future with a nuclear bomb."
The defense comes as the national average for a gallon of gas has soared to $3.60, a 17 percent increase since the U.S. and Israel began joint strikes on Iranian targets earlier this month.
Leavitt assured the public that the current "blip" in energy costs is temporary, promising that gas prices will drop rapidly, potentially even lower than pre-war levels once national security objectives are fully achieved.
However, recent polling from Third Way and CBS News shows that Trump’s approval among voters under 30 has cratered, with 61 percent stating the administration is focusing too much on international matters.
The administration is currently managing a massive $200 billion war supplemental request, a move that critics like Senator Bernie Sanders have called a "tax on the middle class" that ignores domestic needs like healthcare and housing.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously admitted that the administration was "very aware" their actions would cause a spike in prices, further fueling the frustration of young voters who feel misled by the 2024 "peace and affordability" platform.
As the conflict enters its third week, the White House continues to frame the war as a necessary "short-term excursion" that will ultimately lead to long-term economic and security benefits for the next generation.
Despite the administration's optimism, many young men who once flocked to Trump's podcast appearances are reportedly turning away, with 58 percent in recent polls saying his policies have negatively impacted their personal finances.
For now, the White House remains committed to its "maximum pressure" strategy, with Leavitt warning that the President is prepared to "unleash hell" if Tehran fails to accept the current terms of a U.S. proposed peace deal.