Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said during a CBS News interview broadcast Sunday that ending foreign wars is "the best thing that we could do" to lower gas prices, comments that come as the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran has disrupted global oil shipping routes.
During an appearance on 'Face the Nation,' Moore was asked about potential options for addressing rising gas prices, including whether Maryland should consider a gas tax holiday. The governor tied domestic energy costs directly to U.S. foreign policy decisions.
"The best thing that we could do to be able to address gas prices is by stopping fighting foreign wars and stopping watching gas prices jump up over $1," Moore said.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats and some foreign policy analysts have long argued that reducing U.S. military involvement abroad would translate to lower energy costs for American consumers. Moore's comments echo this perspective, positioning ending conflicts in the Middle East as a direct solution to domestic economic concerns.
Democrats have also advocated for gas tax holidays at the state level as a tool to provide immediate relief to consumers. Moore noted that Maryland has one of the higher gas taxes in the country, though he stopped short of endorsing a specific proposal during the interview.
The governor's framing emphasizes that decisions made in Washington and abroad have tangible effects on everyday Americans, particularly in states like Maryland where commuters face significant fuel costs.
What the Right Is Saying
The Trump administration has taken a markedly different approach, with President Trump threatening to strike Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Trump posted on Truth Social that Tuesday would be "Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran."
Conservatives have defended the administration's aggressive posture toward Iran, arguing that U.S. strength abroad protects American economic interests at home. Critics of Moore's position say that withdrawing from conflicts could embolden adversaries and destabilize global oil markets further.
Republicans have also pointed to the Biden administration's handling of Iran policy as a contributing factor to current tensions, arguing that a firmer stance earlier could have prevented the Strait of Hormuz closure.
What the Numbers Show
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. is currently around $4.11, up from approximately $3.25 last month — an increase of about 27% in just four weeks.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway for the global oil industry, and its closure since the start of the conflict against Iran has complicated efforts to stabilize energy markets. The U.S. has not announced any timeline for resolving the shipping disruption.
Maryland's gas tax ranks among the highest in the nation, though governors have limited direct authority over global oil prices or federal energy policy.
The Bottom Line
Moore's comments highlight the intersection of foreign policy and domestic economic concerns, a connection that has become more salient as gas prices have risen sharply. The governor's office has not announced any specific legislative proposals in response to the price increases.
The Strait of Hormuz situation remains fluid, and analysts say further escalation could push prices higher. The Trump administration has signaled willingness to use military force to reopen the waterway, a move that would have significant implications for both energy markets and U.S. involvement in the region.