House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) recently faced a sharp fact-check during an appearance on “Good Day New York” when he asserted that the current U.S. military action in Iran constitutes a “reckless war of choice” costing Americans dearly, particularly through soaring gas prices amid already strained living costs.

Co-host Rosanna Scotto countered Jeffries’ remarks by highlighting that former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden also experienced significant gas price spikes during their terms. “Gas prices were up under Obama too. And Biden, right?” Scotto pressed, noting the $5-per-gallon thresholds reached in recent years. Jeffries attempted to deflect by citing post-pandemic price fluctuations but failed to address Scotto’s point about inflationary pressures during Democratic administrations.

As negotiations toward a potential resolution of the Iran conflict advance and national gas prices begin declining, Jeffries reiterated his stance that Washington must prioritize “solving our own problems” domestically over foreign conflicts. Scotto, meanwhile, acknowledged the complexity of the situation while emphasizing accountability for past policy decisions.