Zach Nunn Says Rising Costs Are “Overhyped” as Iowa Families Struggle to Get By

After backing Trump’s Iran war and price-spiking tariffs, Nunn dismisses economic pain facing Iowans  

DES MOINES, IA — Representative Zach Nunn is facing backlash after dismissing the financial strain facing Iowa families as “overhyped” amid rising costs tied to the war in Iran and broader economic instability. In comments first reported by Politico, Nunn claimed the inflationary effects of the war are “overhyped, candidly, by the media,” despite Iowans already paying more for gas, groceries, fertilizer, and utilities.

Nunn’s remarks come after he repeatedly supported Trump’s war efforts and backed the same economic agenda that has driven up costs for working families across Iowa. From tariffs that raised prices on everyday goods to support for war spending that has sent fuel costs surging, Nunn has consistently sided with Trump while Iowans are left paying the price.

With average prices over $4.5 a gallon, recent estimates show Iowa families have already spent hundreds of millions more on gasoline alone since the war began, while farmers and working families continue struggling under rising input costs and economic uncertainty. Gas prices are expected to remain elevated even if the war ends, as fuel prices historically do not fall as quickly as crude oil prices decline.

At the same time, Nunn has signaled support for even more spending on the war abroad, even if it comes at the expense of health care for families back home. He previously admitted he would consider additional war funding even if it meant cuts to health care spending, alarming Iowans already dealing with rising premiums and threats to coverage.

“Zach Nunn calling rising costs ‘overhyped’ shows just how out of touch he is with Iowa families,” said Mazie Stilwell, Executive Director of Progress Iowa. “People are struggling to afford gas, groceries, and health care while Nunn keeps backing Trump and making life more expensive. Then he turns around and tells Iowans their pain is exaggerated. It’s insulting.”