Behind the Curtain: Michael Whatley Admits Trump’s War in Iran is Hurting Farmers

Raleigh, NC  –  Punchbowl News reports that North Carolina GOP Candidate for Senate Michael Whatley acknowledged the impact that Trump’s war in Iran is having on North Carolina farmers. In audio they received from a September 18th campaign stop, Whatley says: “Right now, there are other farmers who say costs have gone up, fertilizer costs have gone up, fuel prices have gone up. Right. But that’s because of the war in Iran, not because of tariffs.” That admission directly contradicts Whatley’s outward support of Trump’s policies. This coming just as the administration is doing a full court press with both Trump and Vance campaigning in the state.  

Regular gas in North Carolina is $4.13 today, and diesel is an eye-popping $6.21, just as harvest season begins for North Carolina’s agricultural sector. Since Trump took office, household electricity costs in North Carolina have increased by 18%; his war of choice in Iran has raised fuel costs in North Carolina by $704 since the start of the war and his energy policies have raised utility costs in North Carolina by $91 through the first half of 2026. 

Climate Power North Carolina State Director Terryn Hall:

“Michael Whatley is in lockstep with the Trump Administration’s war in Iran that even he admits is driving up our gas and diesel prices in North Carolina. We literally cannot afford another Trump rubber stamp in Washington.”

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