MAGA lawmaker gets more than he bargained for from CNN host over 'astounding' gas prices

A GOP congressman had to answer for high gas prices after Trump announced an extended blockade of Iran, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth came under fire for the impact back home.

CNN journalist Brianna Keilar described the gas prices as "astounding," as the national average price has risen since last week by about 20 cents to $4.28 per gallon. Keilar asked Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) if his constituents would "agree that the price is worth it when it comes to Iran not acquiring a nuclear bomb."

Keilar noted that the price per gallon in his district is about $4.38.

"Do you really think that if Iran had a nuclear weapon and they were able to --" before Keilar cut him off.

"I'm not asking you about what I think," Keilar interrupted. "I'm talking about constituents. I think sometimes when they're having a tough time paying bills, it's hard for them to think about geopolitical scenarios."

"It's my job to make sure they think about geopolitical scenarios, because it affects their pocketbook every day," Gimenez said. "If Iran had a nuclear weapon, they could put a chokehold on the Stait [of Hormuz] any time they wanted to, and gas prices would be much higher."

Keilar followed up by asking if "constituents are receptive to that message?"

Gimenez said, "Oh, I should hope so."