Donald Trump has brushed off the financial concerns of American voters when asked about his continuing war with Iran.
The president was asked by a reporter if he was motivated to make a deal with Iran because of the financial situation of Americans.
“Not even a little bit,” he replied.
“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.”
Democrats have pounced on Trump’s remarks, which come months before November’s midterm elections.
“Donald Trump just said it himself: He doesn’t care about the American people,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said.
Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern was even more critical.
“This is what happens when you elect an out-of-touch narcissistic billionaire,” McGovern said.
“He doesn’t give a s— about anybody but himself.”
Trump’s comments come as inflation in the US jumped to 3.8 per cent, the highest jump in three years.
The inflation rise has outpaced income, meaning Americans are now losing money year-on-year.
The sharp rise in oil prices after the Strait of Hormuz was closed is now impacting grocery and energy costs in the US, like they are in Australia.
Washington pundits have been noting on social media that Trump’s comment will likely feature heavily in upcoming campaign advertising from Democrats in November’s midterm election.
Handling the economy was seen as Trump’s greatest strength in his first term, but that has now changed dramatically.
A poll released this week by Reuters/Ipsos showed three-quarters of Americans blamed Trump for rising oil prices.
The same poll showed just 36 per cent of voters approved of Trump, compared to 62 per cent who disapproved.
Just 26 per cent thought he was doing a good job handling the cost of living.
In the same gaggle with reporters, Trump lashed out at a reporter over the sharp rise in the cost estimate for his White House ballroom.
“We have a ballroom that’s under budget. It’s going up right here. I’ve doubled the size of it because we obviously need that, and we’re right now on budget, under budget, and ahead of schedule,” Trump said.
“The price has doubled,” the reporter replied.
“I doubled the size of it, you dumb person, double the size. You are not a smart person.”