Speaking at a Republican midterm rally in Montana on Monday, Vance attributed global fuel price spikes to foreign leaders who provoke international conflicts. However, critics quickly pointed out that Trump launched the war with Iran in February, a decision that has sent fuel costs soaring.
Vance acknowledged voters’ frustration over high fuel prices, conceding that more work remained to address inflation. He argued that petrol prices had historically surged during international conflicts, citing price increases in 1979, 2001, 2007 and 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
“Remember in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, and gas prices skyrocketed — they skyrocketed, by the way, far higher than they are today. They skyrocketed in 1979, they skyrocketed in 2001, they skyrocketed in 2007. They skyrocket every time some tin-pot dictator decides to throw a tantrum. And we’ve got to remember that,” Vance said.
However, his reference to “tin-pot dictators” quickly became a political headache online, with critics drawing parallels between his description of foreign leaders and Trump’s decision to launch the war with Iran. Vance’s list of previous crises did not mention the conflict that began under the current administration in February.
“Is he really talking about his boss that way?” one social media user asked.
Another commenter described the remarks as “a pretty aggressive opening move for a presidential campaign that’s still two years away."
Others recalled Vance’s own past criticism of Trump before he joined the administration. “That’s the most truthful thing he’s said since he compared Trump to Hitler,” one commenter wrote.
Another issued a warning: “Careful, JD. That tinpot signs your checks.”
The political controversy comes as US motorists face significantly higher fuel costs. The average price of regular petrol in the United States reached $4.12 per gallon on October 19, marking a 40.6 per cent increase from $2.93 a year earlier.
Prices have fluctuated sharply over the past year, ranging from $2.67 in January to $4.35 in May. The average price for 2026 so far stands at $3.71 per gallon, compared with $2.98 in 2025.
With fuel prices remaining a source of voter frustration, Vance’s remarks have drawn scrutiny over how the administration explains rising costs while addressing the economic consequences of the conflict with Iran.
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