Michele Tafoya wants Americans to 'take one less trip to Starbucks' to counter rising oil prices.
MAGA Candidate Under Fire for ‘Tone-Deaf’ Advice on Supporting Trump’s War
March 23 2026, Published 8:59 a.m. ET
Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya has stated that Americans can support President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran with limited trips to Starbucks. The MAGA candidate suggested that the rising gas prices will not be a burden to the masses in the United States if they let go of their caffeine addiction for some time.
Netizens criticized her comments on social media; many even warned that the Republican Party could face unfavorable results in the upcoming midterm elections.
'One Less Trip to Starbucks'
Michele Tafoya suggests Americans should limit their Starbucks visits.
Appearing as a guest on The Todd Starnes Radio Show, Tafoya spoke about the inflated gas prices making the lives of an average American more difficult. She stated that it is frustrating and hard for the people to deal with such a situation. Tafoya also pointed out that U.S. military personnel are losing their lives to protect the nation.
She emphasised that supporting U.S. soldiers fighting overseas is part of American values, citing instances from World War II. The MAGA candidate remarked, “We did little things to show our support for them.”
Tafoya believes that this hindrance can be overcome if the population is ready to make one sacrifice – she advised Americans to “take one less trip to Starbucks” so that their vehicles can save some gas.
She said that they can go back to their original routine once the gas prices go back to being normal. “Whether you agree with it or not, we’re there, and we’ve got to support our men and women in uniform. That’s a big one,” she added. The comments did not land well with the masses, who called her out online for her “tone-deaf” statements.
A netizen shared a meme on X in response to Tafoya's comments.
A user wrote, “Wealthy sports broadcaster and cake-eater (lives in Edina) is tone-deaf about expenses of average Americans.” Another user added, “Just wait until the Midterms? Then you will find out how we feel about the message.”
One user commented, “We’re supposed to sacrifice and change our ways to mitigate a self-inflicted problem?? These people are so out of touch with reality.” A user stated, “That’s why she’s a GOP 'candidate' and will likely lose the election. Stupid comments like this make you look bad to your constituents.”
Another wrote, “‘Let’s be patriots about this’ works when our country is attacked. It does not work when WE attack a country that has been two weeks away from a nuke for 40 years.”
Oil prices could remain high for a long time, as tensions with Iran continues to escalate.
Oil Prices Could Soar Even Higher
According to The Wall Street Journal, a Goldman Sachs note stated, “High oil prices are expected for longer.” The note further clarified that the current condition of the Strait of Hormuz will stay at only 5 percent of normal levels.
The note further said that six weeks are needed before a gradual one-month recovery period. It added that prices will differ from previously forecast levels, with an average barrel costing $85. Before, it was projected to be $77 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was to average $79 per barrel, up from $72 per barrel in the previous assumption.