Trump aides pressed to spin good news as oil prices surge

As oil and gasoline prices surge amid Iran-related tensions, Politico reports that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been pressing Trump advisers to propose announcements to lower prices, with some aides reportedly being screamed at to produce good news. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied panic, saying there is a plan to keep prices stable. The White House is weighing options such as a temporary gasoline tax holiday, deploying troops to defend energy infrastructure in the Middle East, and loosening sanctions on Russian oil. Oil topped $90 a barrel; gas averages about $3.32 per gallon nationwide, higher in Portland. Markets fell on fears of stagflation from higher energy costs and a weak job data update.