Larry Johnson : Trump Has Lost the Energy War

Summary

Judge Andrew Napolitano interviews Larry Johnson about energy prices, the wars involving Iran and Ukraine, and the consequences for the United States and its allies.

Energy prices and fuel shortages

Johnson disputes Republican claims that fuel conditions are better than they were under President Biden. He says gasoline has been above $4 a gallon for more days under Trump, and that the gap between gasoline and diesel prices has widened sharply. He argues diesel is especially consequential because it affects transportation, manufacturing, construction, and the cost of household goods.

Causes of the diesel shortfall

Johnson describes the shortage as a structural, global problem, primarily caused by disruptions to oil supplies from the Persian Gulf and tanker traffic around the Strait of Hormuz. He also cites sanctions on Russia and other disruptions.

He rejects Trump’s claim that Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries are the main cause, arguing that Russia’s lost diesel exports are too small to explain the global shortage. Johnson says the shortfall could persist for years.

Reported US–Russia oil arrangement

Johnson says a reported Russian fuel shipment would amount to only a few days of US consumption and would not meaningfully lower prices. He characterizes the arrangement as more beneficial to Russia, which he says would gain revenue and temporary relief from sanctions.

He also questions reports of a broader agreement, saying the Kremlin had not confirmed them.

Ukraine and the proposed energy truce

Johnson says there is no effective energy ceasefire: Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure continue, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is open to stopping attacks on Russian energy sites if Russia does the same.

Johnson argues that Russia is not prepared to negotiate with Ukraine and suggests any change would depend on major Ukrainian concessions. He also discusses reports that Trump is pressuring Ukraine and European governments over weapons and attacks on Russian refineries.

Saudi Arabia and Ansar Allah

Johnson claims recent Ansar Allah (Houthi) attacks have caused serious damage to Saudi energy infrastructure and says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces political and military pressure.

He reports that Pakistan would not join attacks on Ansar Allah and speculates that US personnel being sent to Riyadh could be gathering intelligence for possible strikes. He warns that further US military action could intensify the conflict.

US casualties and oversight

Johnson criticizes the administration for limiting congressional access to damaged US bases and argues that the public is not being given a full account of the war’s costs. He cites Senator Chris Murphy’s criticism of those restrictions and describes an aircraft-carrier accident that he says was linked to combat operations but was not counted as a combat loss.

Risk of escalation with Iran

Johnson says the administration appears reluctant to escalate against Iran, despite pressure for further military action. He argues that a wider war would likely deepen public anger rather than rally support, especially given the human and financial costs.

Presenters and contributors

• Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano
• Guest: Larry Johnson
• Featured clips: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Senator Chris Murphy