North Carolina Residents Split Over Trump's 'Worth It' Gas Price Remark

Residents of North Carolina offered sharply divided reactions this week to President Donald Trump's argument that rising gasoline prices are an acceptable cost of the war with Iran, with some calling the burden unbearable and others saying the goal justifies the expense.

Trump, campaigning in the state on Wednesday to boost Republican Senate candidate and former national party chairman Michael Whatley ahead of a matchup with Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper, defended his economic record while conceding that fuel costs had climbed. He said the increase was "a very inexpensive price to pay for what we've done," adding that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon would be worthwhile "even if it was a lot more." He also dismissed Democratic messaging on affordability, saying the party had invented the word.

At a gas station on the main road into Raleigh, Mel Decker said he now spends about $40 a day on fuel instead of $20, describing the cost as doubled. He called the president "crazy" and said he could not wait for him to leave office, arguing that Trump's actions are plainly wrong and that his supporters are allowing him to escape consequences.

Christopher Braxton, who works at a trucking company and was picnicking at the old state capitol building, took a different view. He said it is worth paying more at the pump to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and predicted prices would eventually fall significantly. Even so, he described the situation as unavoidable. "If it goes up to $6, I'm going to pay $6, because I've got to go to work," he said, adding that a drop to $3 would let him make the trip twice.

Brittney Bivins, a middle school teacher, said her salary forces hard choices among fuel, food and other essentials. She said the president does not care about ordinary people and can afford costs that most cannot, leaving him disconnected from his own supporters.

Kenny Birella, a veteran and Trump voter, said he believes Americans should back the president regardless of party, noting that he disagreed with many of Joe Biden's policies while he was in office. He called it reckless to elect someone and then fight them throughout their term, and said history, not the public, will judge the president's actions.

Despite voter frustration over the war and the economy, Trump has promised further campaign trips before Election Day.