Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) took a sharp jab at President Donald Trump on Monday, accusing the White House of putting oil companies first while Americans feel the pinch at the pump. With gas prices stubbornly high and the war with Iran creating uncertainty, Schumer didn't hold back.

Trump's 'Illegal Iran War' a 'Gift' for Oil Companies

In a post on X, Schumer laid out his frustration in no uncertain terms. "Trump's illegal war in Iran is a gift to his Big Oil friends who bankrolled his campaign with the promise of raking in profits," the New York Senator wrote. He then added a punchline: helping those companies was one promise Trump "actually delivered on."

Schumer didn't stop there. He pointed directly to the pain consumers are feeling. "Americans are paying over $4 per gallon at the gas pump and suffering from rising energy costs," he said.

The numbers back him up. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), gas prices remain above $4 in most states, with the national average hitting $4.0950 per gallon on Monday. That's a hair below Sunday's average of $4.0960, but still painfully high for most drivers.

Meanwhile, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan flagged another concern: the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is shrinking. In a post on X, De Haan noted the SPR fell by 2.9 million barrels last week, leaving it at 304.8 million barrels. He also warned that SPR releases would be "winding down in the weeks ahead."

Here's where it gets interesting: even Trump himself isn't thrilled with the oil companies' windfall. During a press briefing on Monday, he said, "I don't like it. They're making too much money, based on the shortage." He added, "I should be the last one to say it because I am a big, free enterprise guy."

Trump also promised that prices would be "dropping through the floor" once the U.S. was "finished with Iran." He specifically called out ExxonMobil Holdings Corp (XOM) and Chevron Corp (CVX), saying they made "too much money." He claimed one company made "12 times" what it did the previous year. "They ought to give some of that back to the public and they better cut the retail price [of gas]," Trump said.

Hunter Biden Slams Trump

Schumer isn't the only one taking aim. Earlier, Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, criticized the multi-billion-dollar profits reported by Chevron and ExxonMobil amid high gas prices and the Iran war. Biden said Trump was making Big Oil "great again."

California Governor Gavin Newsom's (D-CA) press office echoed that sentiment, accusing Chevron of raking in profits during the conflict and urging state residents to avoid paying extra at Chevron pumps for gas that's no better than the competition's.

Iran War Updates

On the conflict itself, Trump had earlier said he would halt strikes against Iran—a move praised by former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, who suggested it could pave the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also mentioned that talks with Tehran were ongoing, calling it a "last chance" to strike a deal.

Iranian officials, however, denied any negotiations were taking place with U.S. representatives. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKTMO) reported that a vessel was struck near Al Khasab, Oman.

So, the situation is fluid: high gas prices, a shrinking SPR, political finger-pointing, and a war that's far from over. For now, drivers are left wondering when—if ever—relief will come.