Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sharply criticized President Donald Trump on the Senate floor Tuesday, calling out his administration for offering contradictory explanations about the U.S. war with Iran and demanding public testimony from senior officials.
Schumer said the administration’s messaging about the conflict has become increasingly confusing, pointing to conflicting statements from Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth within a span of hours.
On Monday, Trump suggested the conflict was largely finished, saying the war was “very complete, pretty much,” Schumer noted. But the following morning, Hegseth said the day would see the most intense military activity yet, involving the largest number of fighters, bombers and strikes since the conflict began.
“Well, which is it?” Schumer asked. “Is the war ending, or are we on the brink of the worst fighting yet?”
Schumer argued the conflicting statements show the administration lacks a coherent strategy and berated Trump for making decisions about the war on impulse.
The New York Democrat also pointed to comments in which Trump said the conflict could represent “the beginning of building a new country,” which Schumer said sounded like a shift toward regime change despite earlier denials from the administration.
“This administration cannot articulate a plan or a vision,” Schumer said. “The story changes by the hour.”
Schumer Calls Out Trump For Lying About Airstrike On Iranian School
Schumer also called out Trump for spreading misinformation about a deadly airstrike on a girls’ school that killed roughly 170 civilians, including many children. During a news conference on Monday, Trump claimed Iranian Tomahawk missiles were responsible, even though Iran does not possess Tomahawk weapons.
Schumer called for a full, independent investigation into the attack and called for transparency about what led to the civilian casualties.
“We need to know what happened and why so many innocent civilians were tragically killed,” he said.
Schumer Highlights The Economic Consequences Of War With Iran
Beyond the military situation, Schumer warned that the conflict is beginning to affect global energy markets. He said tensions in the region have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
The disruption has driven up prices for Brent crude, which recently surged above $100 per barrel, he said, contributing to higher gasoline prices in the United States.
According to Schumer, the average price of gasoline has risen to about $3.54 per gallon—a roughly 17 percent increase since the conflict began. Higher energy costs, he warned, could push up prices across the broader economy, affecting airline tickets, food and other goods.
Schumer also criticized Trump’s comments suggesting rising fuel prices were not a major concern.
“Has Donald Trump ever filled his own tank in his life?” Schumer asked, arguing that higher gasoline prices disproportionately affect ordinary Americans.
Schumer Calls On Hegseth, Rubio To Testify Before Congress
The Senate minority leader concluded by calling for senior administration officials—including Hegseth and State Secretary Marco Rubio—to testify before Congress in public hearings.
Schumer said lawmakers and the American public deserve a clear explanation for why U.S. troops have been sent into combat and what the administration’s strategy is for the conflict.
“When it comes to sending our servicemembers into harm’s way, the American people need to understand why,” Schumer said. “Right now, they don’t even have a why.”
