'A war making us weaker': Kelly and Murphy say $6 gas is just the start of Trump's Iran bill

WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Chris Murphy on Monday, May 11, criticized President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict with Iran, arguing that the war is placing additional financial strain on Americans while driving up energy prices and federal spending.

The comments came as oil markets rose sharply after Trump rejected Iran’s latest counterproposal for ending the war.

In separate statements posted on X, Kelly and Murphy linked the administration’s Iran policy to rising gas prices, economic hardship and broader domestic concerns.

Mark Kelly criticizes Iran war strategy and defense spending

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly said the administration had entered the conflict without a clear long-term strategy while Americans faced increasing economic pressures at home.

“This case matters. Let me tell you what also matters,” Kelly wrote while referencing his lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged First Amendment violations involving retired service members.

“Right now, we have servicemembers putting their lives at risk because this president took our country to war against Iran without a strategic goal or a plan,” Kelly said. “Because of his reckless decision, parents can’t afford the gas to drive their kids to school, people can’t afford to drive to work and seniors can’t afford to drive to their doctor’s appointments.”

Kelly also criticized the administration’s broader spending priorities, pointing to Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget and questioning investments in projects such as the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative.

“Millions of Americans can’t afford rent, healthcare, and in many cases food,” Kelly wrote. “As this president builds his new gilded ballroom, upgrades his new plane, builds his arch, and works on his next business deal that personally enriches him and his family, the American people continue to suffer.”

He argued that some of the proposed defense funding could be directed toward systems that may not function as intended.

Referring to the proposed missile shield, Kelly said, “It looks like they will spend hundreds of billions of dollars building a system that will not work.”

Kelly also accused the administration of prioritizing tax cuts for wealthy Americans while reducing support for social programs. “We have to get this country back on track,” he said, calling for policies focused on healthcare, housing affordability and childcare costs.

Chris Murphy warns rising oil prices are hurting Americans

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy also criticized the administration as energy prices continued to rise amid uncertainty over negotiations with Iran.

“Gas is over $6 a gallon in many places. Farms are going bankrupt. Billions are being wasted on a war that’s making us weaker,” Murphy wrote on X. 

“And this week, Republicans will spend their time trying to get taxpayers to fund Trump’s parties,” he added. Murphy’s comments came as oil prices climbed more than 2% on Monday after Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. 

US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose above $97 per barrel Monday morning, while Brent crude climbed above $103 per barrel. 

Analysts said markets remain concerned that prolonged tensions could further disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.