"A new Senate report argues the Trump administration has also pushed costs up by stifling clean energy."
"Democrats are dialing up their rhetorical attacks against President Trump over energy affordability as the war against Iran drags into its third week and oil prices remain elevated.
In a new report on Tuesday, top Senate Democrats accused the Trump administration of waging a “war on energy affordability” by canceling hundreds of clean energy projects even before the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran — strikes which have sent energy costs higher. The report is a precursor to a series of live-streamed round-table discussions that party leaders hope will keep a spotlight on their campaign mantra for the fall’s midterm elections, focusing on lowering the cost of living.
Republican analysts said they worried the Democrats’ messaging strategy was paying off.
“The war in Iran doesn’t help,” said Ron Bonjean, a G.O.P. strategist and partner at public relations agency ROKK Solutions. “It’s not hard to make a connection between high oil prices and the war with Iran and blame Republicans for it. We’re kind of setting it up for them.”"
Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times March 17, 2026.
