Axelrod: Trump’s ‘I don’t give a damn’ remark on gas prices is no winning message

Democratic strategist David Axelrod called out President Trump on Saturday, following Trump’s remarks at an evening rally where he told supporters he “did not give a damn” about high fuel prices because “we’re making a freaking fortune” on oil.

“HE’s making money like he’s never made before. And he doesn’t give a damn about high gas prices. (Not a great closing message, though.),” Axelrod wrote on social media Saturday.

The president arrived in Perry, Ga., on Saturday to stump for Senate nominee Rep. Mike Collins R-Ga.) and Georgia’s gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson (R).

“I can just see the fake headlines. President Trump is talking about all the money they’re making while people are suffering at the pump,” Trump said, predicting the coverage of his rally that evening. “I don’t give a damn. We’re making a freaking fortune.”

He added that his “people” told him, “Please don’t mention that, sir.”

The national average price of gas as of Sunday morning was $4.29 per gallon, according to AAA . At the same time last year, it was $3.06.

The high prices come as the war in Iran nears the eight-month mark and shows no signs of stopping.

While vessels have been moving through the Strait of Hormuz, shipping in the Middle East has become increasingly expensive due to war-related risks.

“Oil prices are temporarily high and will be falling dramatically as soon as that war is over,” the president said Saturday, referring to the conflict with Iran. “There’s so much oil, all in the Strait [of Hormuz]. There are so many ships. We’ll get them out so fast. The United States oil and gas business is making hundreds of billions of dollars.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) joined Axelrod in criticizing Trump’s comments, writing on social media , “Congratulations to Big Oil on their very successful, record-profits presidency.”

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also jumped in , writing that gas prices are “temporarily” high because “Republicans are temporarily in power.”

Oil prices hit their highest point since May on Friday. If they stay high, gas prices could continue to increase as November’s midterm elections loom.