Rep. Don Bacon said Donald Trump was right to level with Americans that the war with Iran could keep gasoline prices elevated, but he argued Trump had earlier created false expectations by repeatedly suggesting a deal was imminent. In the Aug. 16, 2026 interview, Bacon said households still feel squeezed because inflation is again slightly above wages, urged the White House to review tariffs (import taxes) that he said raise consumer costs, and criticized Trump's response to concerns aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln after its more than nine-month deployment. Bacon backed continued pressure on Iran through a blockade (military cutoff of ports), said Congress should question Navy leaders about conditions on the carrier, and raised concerns about reported shortages of Patriots (air defense missiles), cruise missiles and other weapons. He also said Republicans could move back toward the center by pushing back on tariffs and showing more support for Ukraine.