Meet the Press – March 22, 2026

Main Guests:

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant
• Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
• Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossío
  Host: Chuck Todd (NBC News)
  Date: March 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This high-stakes episode tackles the rapidly escalating U.S.-Iran conflict and its ripple effects on global oil prices, domestic economics, and international relations, including a new U.S. standoff with Cuba. Through exclusive interviews, the episode explores President Trump’s war strategy, congressional opposition to new war funding, the humanitarian and energy crisis in Cuba, and mounting domestic criticism over economic pain and White House decision-making. The episode includes insight from senior officials and political analysts on the volatile interplay of war, politics, and public opinion.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.-Iran War Escalation

President Trump’s Threats and Military Strategy

• President Trump threatens major attacks on Iran's infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened:

  “…if Iran doesn't fully open…the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours…USA will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first.”
  — Chuck Todd quoting Pres. Trump [05:09–05:24]

• Objectives remain maximalist: destroying Iran's air force and navy, eliminating missile capacity, preventing nuclear development, and halting power projection.

  “The president's been very clear…destroy the Iranian air force and the navy…demolish their missile capabilities…make sure the Iranians cannot have a nuclear weapon…"
  — Treasury Secretary Bessant [05:42–06:09]

• Escalation as de-escalation:

  “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate.”
  — Bessant [07:28–07:33]

• All options—including ground troops in Iran and seizing strategic assets—are “on the table.”

  “All options are on the table.”
  — Bessant [08:48–08:54]

• Analyst roundtable later summarizes U.S. considerations for military options ("escalate to de-escalate"), including targeting Iranian islands, Kharg Island, and even uranium facilities. [43:15–44:59]

The Oil Sanctions Puzzle

• Lifting sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil to ease global prices:
  • Bessant argues Iran and Russia were selling oil to China “anyway,” and U.S. policy shift lets oil go to allies instead, with better oversight.

  “Iranian oil was always going to be sold to the Chinese. It was going to be sold at discount. So…which is better…spiked...or oil prices below 100…”
  — Bessant [09:14–09:41]

  • He claims the $14 billion Iran could gain is overstated.
  • Russia’s access to oil revenues is portrayed as a trade-off to keep prices globally in check.

  “Our analysis shows…maximum extra amount that Russia could get would be $2 billion, which is one day's of the Russian Federation's budget.”
  — Bessant [13:16–13:37]

• Sen. Murphy denounces this as funding America’s enemies:

  “We’re literally putting money into the pockets of the very nations that we are fighting right now…we've never seen this level of incompetence in war making…”
  — Murphy [24:48–25:21]

The Cost of War and Congressional Funding

• War spending soars; White House asking for $200B in supplemental funding.
  • Bessant: “It takes money to kill bad guys.” [04:25]
  • Some Republicans and most Democrats signal opposition.

  “I'm absolutely a no on any funding request…every single day, this war makes less and less sense.”
  — Murphy [24:48–25:21]

• Question of raising taxes: Bessant insists it's not needed—dismisses the notion entirely.

  “Not at all.”
  — Bessant [16:42]

Domestic Fallout: Gas Prices, Economy, and Public Anger

• Gas prices have spiked $1/gallon. United Airlines warns prices may stay high through 2027.

  “For 50 years of not having an Iranian regime with a nuclear weapon…the American people…understand there is no prosperity without security.”
  — Bessant [17:10–17:39]

• Focus group voters express frustration with President Trump over prices.

  “You are a worthless pile of…”
  — PA voter, via NBC’s John Allen [45:18–45:30]

• Panel highlights this as a key vulnerability for Trump and Republicans heading into the midterms.

2. Political and Partisan Showdown

Senate Democrats and the 'No' to War Funding

• Murphy calls the Trump administration’s policy “totally lost touch with reality” and driven by “real estate developers and talk show hosts.”

  “This war is spinning out of control…no end in sight…It's like they've never read a history book.”
  — Murphy [22:32–23:31]

• No scenario in which Murphy would support sending U.S. troops to Iran:

  “Never. That would be a mistake of colossal proportions.”
  — Murphy [25:34–25:41]

Shutdown and ICE/TSA Crisis

• Department of Homeland Security shutdown causing airport chaos.
• Trump threatens to deploy ICE agents to airports.
• Murphy: Democrats will fund most DHS agencies but not ICE unless they “behave legally”—accuses ICE of lawlessness.

  “They are rounding up legal immigrants, denying them their rights…abusing protesters…”
  — Murphy [28:48–29:27]

Senate Leadership

• Murphy downplays reports of Democratic disunity and dissatisfaction with Sen. Chuck Schumer's leadership.

  “We are united in ending this war. We are united in reining in the lawlessness of ICE.”
  — Murphy [29:56–30:10]

Trump’s Statement on Robert Mueller's Death

• Trump’s comment, “Robert Mueller just died. Good. I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people,” is widely condemned.
• Bessant defends Trump’s reaction as a byproduct of past investigations and raids. [18:18–19:32]
• Murphy:

  “It’s just disgusting…we have a president who's cheerleading the death of American citizens…”
  — Murphy [30:26–30:49]

3. The Cuba Standoff and Energy Crisis

Trump’s Threats and Cuba’s Defiance

• President Trump openly muses about “taking Cuba”:

  “I could do anything I want with it.”
  — Trump [32:54–33:13]

• Cuban Deputy FM:

  “Cuba is a sovereign country…would not accept to become a vassal state…”
  — de Cossío [33:23–33:45]

• Confirms Cuba is preparing for possible military aggression, but “hopes” it will not occur. [34:59–35:43]
• U.S. negotiating with Cuba, but “regime change” is not in negotiations.

  “…the nature of the Cuban government…are not part of the negotiation. That is…no sovereign country negotiates.”
  — de Cossío [36:36–37:44]

• De Cossío denies Cuba is collapsing, despite dire conditions:

  “We’re mustering all our creativity…to cope with the reality…pain is there, have no doubt.”
  — de Cossío [38:51–39:14]

Cuba and U.S. Policy

• U.S. economic pressure is blamed for Cuba’s situation.
• Strong statement:

  “You cannot put a question mark on the system of socialism…if the US…has had to dedicate almost seven decades to destroy…yet failed.”
  — de Cossío [39:38–40:18]

• Cuba expresses willingness for meaningful engagement:

  “We are willing to sit down…open to having a respectful relationship…”
  — de Cossío [40:25–40:49]

4. Analysis and Roundtable Reactions

Military Scenarios in Iran

• NBC’s Courtney Kuby: Outlines options for U.S. military intervention—occupation of islands, oil infrastructure, securing uranium—all potentially high-risk, but with U.S. air superiority. [43:15–44:59]

Political Messaging and Midterm Implications

• Jonathan Martin: The White House is “consumed” by oil prices and their political consequences:

  “Gas prices have gone up $1.02…we're now at four bucks…if we get to five…it's going to be a crisis point…”
  — Martin [45:43–46:42]

• Mike Dubke: Gas prices at the pump a crucial barometer for political fortunes. [46:59–48:00]
• Ashley Etienne: Criticizes administration’s handling of Iran and broadens to Democrat messaging against Trump:

  “[Democrats] need to hit home…this incompetency. The American people are watching as this war continues to escalate…”
  — Etienne [48:03–49:01]

Cuba—Likely Outcome?

• Kuby: U.S. military not actively preparing to invade Cuba; internal collapse may be more likely. [49:13–49:39]
• Martin: “Trump is determined to find a long-term legacy…choosing door B…regime change around the world.” [49:53–50:27]
• Dubke and Etienne: Debate the competitiveness and weaknesses of both parties going into the midterms. [50:27–51:29]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate.” — Scott Bessant [07:28]
• “We’re literally putting money into the pockets of the very nations that we are fighting right now…” — Sen. Chris Murphy [24:48]
• “I do believe I'll be…but I think I could do anything I want with it.” — Pres. Trump on Cuba [32:54–33:13]
• “Cuba is a sovereign country…would not accept to become a vassal state…” — Carlos de Cossío [33:23]
• “It's just disgusting…we have a president who's cheerleading the death of American citizens.” — Murphy on Trump’s Mueller comment [30:26]
• “You are a worthless pile of…” — Disaffected voter [45:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:09–06:09] — Trump’s threats and U.S. objectives in Iran
• [07:28] — “Escalate to de-escalate” doctrine
• [09:14–11:21] — Debate over lifting oil sanctions
• [15:08–16:42] — Congressional funding and taxes
• [17:10–18:18] — Domestic cost of war, economic impact
• [22:32–26:32] — Senator Murphy's critique of administration policy
• [27:19–29:27] — DHS shutdown and ICE controversy
• [32:54–34:48] — Trump on Cuba; Cuba’s response
• [43:15–44:59] — Panel: U.S. options in Iran
• [45:18–45:30] — Voter soundbite on Trump and gas prices

Tone and Takeaway

The episode is urgent, confrontational, and at times incredulous—especially from the Senate opposition and expert commentators. The Trump administration is portrayed as both defiant and embattled, while Democratic voices sound alarm at the expanding war and its blowback. The Cuban deputy foreign minister brings calm defiance in response to U.S. threats, and the roundtable zeros in on the coming political reckoning over war costs and gas prices. In summary, it’s a moment of intensifying war and politics—with high stakes at home and abroad.