Published on: Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:02:01 GMTOriginal Story: Opinion | Trump Is Making Jimmy Carter’s Mistake on Iran and Oil – The New York Times “`html Trump’s Energy “Masterplan”: More Like a Mad Lib Okay, folks, buckle up, buttercups. Because Donald Trump is back on his favorite hobby horse: energy independence. Apparently, we’re going to be swimming in cheap oil, and Iran… well, let’s just say they’re gonna be sorry. This, according to a recent opinion piece in the New York Times, is eerily reminiscent of Jimmy Carter’s oil woes. And as an Elder Millennial watching history repeat itself (again), I’m reaching for the antacids. The promise? Energy dominance. Unleash American oil, stick it to OPEC, and, presumably, make gasoline cost less than a latte. Sounds great, right? Except…didn’t we already try this? And didn’t it involve, you know, actual policy and stuff? Remember When Trump Said…? (Spoiler: It Contradicts This) Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Specifically, let’s dial the DeLorean back to 2018. Remember when Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, claiming it was the worst deal EVER? The stated goal was to cripple Iran’s economy and force them back to the negotiating table. He boasted about how sanctions would bring them to their knees. Fast forward to present day, and Trump is seemingly criticizing Biden for…not selling enough oil? The Times piece highlights the inherent contradiction: simultaneously wanting to squeeze Iran while also wanting them to pump more oil to lower prices. It’s like wanting to both eat your cake and have it…except the cake is a geopolitical minefield. The Carter Comparison: A Blast From the Past (and Not a Fun One) The article draws a compelling parallel to Jimmy Carter’s energy struggles in the late 1970s. Carter, bless his heart, tried to address the oil crisis with a mix of conservation and domestic production. He even put solar panels on the White House! (Which Reagan promptly took down, because, you know, symbolism.) Carter’s efforts, while well-intentioned, were largely seen as ineffective. He was perceived as weak and unable to control the situation. The comparison to Trump lies in the perceived lack of a coherent strategy. Trump wants cheap oil, but his previous actions have arguably made it harder to achieve that goal. It’s like trying to fix a leaky faucet with a sledgehammer. So, What’s the Actual Plan? (Crickets Chirping) Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. Trump’s energy policy seems to consist of two parts: 1) Blaming someone else (usually Biden), and 2) Promising magical solutions that don’t quite add up. He talks about unleashing American energy, but glosses over the details of how that will actually happen, especially given his past actions regarding Iran and international agreements. And let’s not forget the whole climate change thing. While Trump is busy promising cheap gas, the planet is slowly turning into a giant pizza oven. But hey, at least we can drive our gas-guzzling SUVs to the beach…until the sea levels rise and the beach disappears. The Geopolitical Tightrope Walk Dealing with Iran is like trying to herd cats on a unicycle while juggling flaming torches. There are no easy answers, and any action has unintended consequences. Trump’s approach seems to be based on gut feelings and bombastic pronouncements, rather than careful diplomacy and strategic planning. Which, let’s be honest, is pretty much his MO on everything. The Times article points out the risk of alienating allies and further destabilizing the region. A poorly thought-out energy policy could have far-reaching consequences, not just for our wallets, but for global security. It’s a delicate dance, and Trump seems determined to trip over his own feet. The Bottom Line (Because We All Need One) Trump’s energy promises are, at best, overly simplistic and, at worst, downright delusional. He’s selling a vision of cheap oil and energy dominance without a clear plan of how to achieve it. And his past actions regarding Iran directly contradict his current rhetoric. It’s a classic case of Trumpian hyperbole, and we should all take it with a massive grain of salt (preferably the kind that comes with a margarita). Snarky Takeaway Get ready for gas prices to fluctuate wildly, geopolitical tensions to escalate, and the planet to continue its slow march towards oblivion. Because, you know, Trump’s gonna Trump. And we’re all just along for the ride. Might as well invest in a good bicycle…and maybe some sunscreen. “` Post navigation Iran Says No to Trump? We’ll See. Trump: Now a Tree Hugger? LOL, Nah.