Trump Defends Remarks on American Finances During Iran Conflict, Says Context Was Missed

President Trump is working to reframe recent statements he made regarding American finances in the context of his ongoing military tensions with Iran.

The 79-year-old president triggered backlash on May 12 when he disclosed that financial costs tied to his Middle Eastern military operations were not a concern for him. He characterized rising gas prices and inflation as acceptable trade-offs for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

"I don't think about anybody," Trump stated at that moment.

The president dismissed the original question as "fake."

In a subsequent Fox News appearance, Trump characterized his response to the "fake question" as "perfect" and suggested his words had been taken out of context.

"That's a perfect statement," he remarked. "I'd make it again."

He elaborated: "When people hear me say it, everybody agrees. Short-term pain; it's going to be short-term pain. But the pain is much less than people thought."

Trump pointed to oil barrel pricing as an example, noting that concerns had circulated about prices potentially reaching $250 per barrel. "You know, it was $99 yesterday, $99 a barrel. I thought it might go up to $200. I was okay with that; not that I wanted it, but you cannot let them have a nuclear weapon," he explained.

"They will use it on us. They'll start off with Israel, wipe it out. The Middle East, wipe it out. It'll go to Europe," Trump continued.

The president further contended that Americans are willing to pay "a little more — not that much more, a little more" to "stop the threat of being blown to pieces by a lunatic, by a crazy person … using nuclear weapons."

"Everyone says that's fine," he asserted.

He wrapped up by stating: "And that question was a fake question. And they didn't put my full answer. I totally care."

Trump's original exchange was captured on live video and made available in its entirety through the White House's official channels.

When a reporter asked him outside Air Force One, "To what extent are American's financial situations motivating you to make a deal [with Iran]?" Trump responded, "Not even a little bit."

"The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran — they can't have a nuclear weapon. I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all," he had said.