Virginia senators criticize Trump on Iran conflict, cost of living ahead of prime time address

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - President Donald Trump is set to address the nation Thursday, July 17, with election security expected to be part of his remarks.

Ahead of the speech, Virginia’s U.S. senators used separate briefings to raise concerns about decisions being made in Washington and how they could affect both household costs and public trust in the nation’s elections.

Sen. Mark Warner called the conflict with Iran a “war of choice” and warned that rising fuel prices could increase the cost of groceries and other goods.

“So as gas prices tick up, as diesel fuel, which is already back up to five dollars a gallon, and remember, diesel fuels most of our trucks,” Warner said. “Trucks deliver most of our goods to the grocery store or other stores. That’s all going to be passed on to the consumer.”

Warner also addressed election security ahead of the president’s remarks. He said foreign countries have attempted to influence voters, but intelligence assessments found no evidence that foreign actors changed votes or altered the results of the 2020 presidential election.

“I don’t care if you’re a President Trump supporter, opponent, independent,” Warner said. “Please take whatever he says tonight with a grain of salt, and let’s get it fact-checked and verified.”

Sen. Tim Kaine focused on the war with Iran and called for Congress to act to end the conflict.

“You have to withdraw troops from hostilities unless Congress authorizes it,” Kaine said. “It’s the first time in the history of the War Powers Resolution that Congress has looked the president in the eye and said, ‘This is an illegal war.’”

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