Why experts say the Iran war underscores risks of Trump's all-in focus on oil

PBS NewsHour
by Matthew Daly, Associated Press
March 19, 2026
3 min read

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Trump's clean energy restrictions leave Americans vulnerable to oil supply shocks amid rising crude and gas prices.

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The Trump administration's policy of blocking clean energy development has left the U.S. more exposed to oil market volatility amid the Iran war, according to energy experts. With crude prices climbing above $100 a barrel and gasoline approaching $4 per gallon, the strategy of restricting wind and solar power has eliminated alternative energy buffers that could cushion Americans from supply disruptions. The administration's focus on maximizing oil production leaves the economy more vulnerable to geopolitical shocks in the Middle East, experts argue. By limiting renewable energy capacity, the White House has reduced energy diversification at a time when global instability is driving up fossil fuel costs. Critics contend that a broader energy portfolio would better insulate consumers from price spikes tied to regional conflicts.

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