President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on U.S. firms to lower prices, publicly claiming credit for Walmart’s summer markdown of thousands of items and demanding that gasoline retailers cut pump prices to $2.50 a gallon. The White House framed the moves as supply‑side actions, but analysts call them unprecedented state interference in pricing.

The push comes as the Iran‑driven conflict lifted annual inflation to 4.2% in May, the highest in three years. Gasoline now averages $3.88 a gallon, up roughly 30% since February, while diesel has risen a third. Brown University estimates the war has added more than $500 in fuel costs per household, feeding a 6% rise in fruit and vegetable prices.

Voter frustration is mounting: an FT poll shows 67% disapprove of Trump’s handling of living costs and only 36% approve his overall performance, threatening Republican prospects in the November midterms. The administration insists its actions follow basic economics, denying any coercion.

Free‑market economists warn the bullying could corrupt price signals. Ryan Bourne of the Cato Institute said firms may cut prices against shareholder interests, creating lasting market damage beyond the current term.