Trump Energy secretary stumbles over his words when confronted by CNN host about Iran

President Donald Trump's energy secretary stumbled over his words when CNN's Kate Bolduan challenged him on global oil disruptions caused by the war in Iran.

Oil tankers are unable to pass through the crucial Strait of Hormuz due to the threat of Iranian drones, missiles and mines, and the price of oil has surged past $100 a barrel, but Energy Secretary Chris Wright insisted on "CNN News Central" that Americans should be willing to shoulder the burden of higher gas costs.

"We're going through short-term energy disruption for just huge long-term gain," Wright said. "You're seeing Iran's behavior, they're attacking every country."

"Could that mean $200 a barrel?" Bolduan interrupted.

"I, um, I would say unlikely, but we are focused on the military operation and solving a problem," Wright stammered. "I'm not going to guess on short-term trading. That's based on psychology more than flows of oil. The world is very well supplied with oil right now. Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we're by far and away the world's largest oil producer, by far and away the world's natural gas producer. Both of those are growing. We are, we have been moving into an age of energy security, and we're fixing the huge overhang on global energy security, which is Iran's behavior and Iran's arsenal."

After their discussion, co-host John Berman reacted to the secretary's remarks.

"I've got to say a fascinating discussion," he said. "One of the first uses of short-term sacrifice I've heard from an administration official. Also, the idea that oil could reach $200 a barrel, unlikely, he said."

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