Trump: Oil tanker crews must ‘show some guts,’ sail through Straight of Hormuz
Trump on oil prices, tapping into strategic oil reserves
President Trump is pushing oil tanker crews to “show some guts” and sail through the Strait of Hormuz.
“These ships should go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts, there’s nothing to be afraid of. … They have no Navy, we sunk all their ships,” Trump said, according to Fox News’s Brian Kilmeade, who recounted the president’s remarks during an interview.
Kilmeade also said on “Fox & Friends” in comments highlighted by Mediaite that Trump told him “there is risk in the region, the region is volatile, their launchers, there’s just about 150 left, that’s just about 20 percent of totals, they can’t regenerate, they can’t make any more.”
On Monday, oil prices went above $100 per barrel amid the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran. Brent crude went up by 25 percent, then fell to $96.94 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose by 28.3 percent.
Stocks also sank Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 500 points following the opening bell. The S&P 500 index opened with a 0.9 percent dip, and the Nasdaq composite went down by 0.7 percent after the opening bell.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright brushed off concerns on Sunday over the Strait of Hormuz’s closure during the U.S. conflict with Iran.
“One large tanker has already gone through the straits with no issues at all. So as the general just described, we’re massively attriting their ability to strike with missiles and drones, and that rate of attrition will increase in the coming days,” Wright said on “Fox News Sunday.”
“So we’ll be cautious. We’ll be careful, but energy will flow soon,” he added.
On Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) pushed Trump to immediately release oil via the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
“The Strategic Petroleum Reserve exists for moments exactly like this,” Schumer said in a statement.
“When wars and global crises disrupt energy markets, the United States has the ability to act, but President Trump and his administration are refusing to do so. Trump should release oil from the SPR now to stabilize markets, bring prices down, and stop the price shock that American families are already feeling thanks to his reckless war,” he added.
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Comment by warren.
Another shoot from the hip, overly simplistic idea that sounded good the the sycophants in the Cabinet room. No end game, no exit plan, no thought for effect on oil prices, lays the burden on slow moving cargo ships well within reach of Yemen and Iran.
Involved us in a "stop the nukes" war because last year the bunker-buster MOABs terminated Iran's ability to enrich uranium for years to come. This has been the shortest 'years to come' I've seen. Could it be someone told a fib last year?
Sort of like terminating 100% SNAP funding to MN to stop the fraud. Except it also stopped aid to families who really needed it. Finally a judge had common sense to go find the baby after orange man threw out the bathwater.
Reply by geneba10.
Well, that's what Trump and his sycophant minions understand. The simpler the idea the better.
Comment by geneba10.
Says the man that had 5 draft deferrments and holds war meetings from his palatial estate in Florida so he can squeeze in a round of golf between body counts.
Comment by Zeno.
Iran doesn’t need ships to launch missiles. Any ship (other than China’s) that sails Hormuz is doomed.
Comment by smileyil.
Is the US going to escort each tanker with 2 missile destroyers? Oh wait that costs more than the oil is worth....
Reply by backcountrybum.
Cost is no object when you're a billionaire spending other people's money.
Comment by Poke Hunter.
Send Barron
Comment by dlbergner.
“These ships should go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts, there’s nothing to be afraid of … They have no Navy, we sunk all their ships,” Trump said.
Well, Donald, how about we lower you by helicopter onto one of those tankers and you can ride it through the strait. Be sure to wear your white ''USA ''golf cap to show that you are Commander in Chief.
Reply by backcountrybum.
Yes, this! And Melania on another tanker. Eric on another. Barron too. And let's get a Trump cabinet secretary on each tanker.
I'd pay watch that show.
Comment by tscottt.
China is now providing Iran the parts and components they need to make more launchers.
Reply by mjsmith64.
We are using million dollar plus interceptors on $10k easily manufactured, assembled, and deployed drones, drones which can be launched in the dozens, drones that maim and kill.
Comment by mjsmith64.
Cadet Bone Spurs Trump is a cowardly chickenhawk who has zero credibility when it comes to bravery.
Comment by glavigne55.
You first. Lead by example.
Comment by JMcM.
After you, Cadet Bone spurs...
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