Franco Ordonez

then you're going to start to see more inflation, and not just in gas, but across the economy.

Yeah, I mean, it's a lot about the economy.

And that was the big issue that Trump won on two years ago, that and immigration, of course.

But it's also about the possibility of boots on the ground.

There are around 4,500 Marines heading to the Middle East right now.

And a recent Quinnipiac survey found that 52% of Republicans would be opposed to sending troops to Iran, you know, boots on the ground.

And that could have a significant political impact.

And A, I'm not saying those Republicans are all of a sudden going to vote for Democrats, but they could decide to just stay home and not vote in November.

Thank you.

Good morning, Steve.

Yeah, I mean, they definitely could.

I mean, one reason is that Trump just has so much leverage with Japan because of how much oil it receives from the Middle East.

Trump pointed out that as much as 90% comes through the strait.

But also, clearly, the prime minister wants to remain friendly with Trump for a lot of reasons.

And she was very careful speaking through an interpreter yesterday to acknowledge Trump's power globally.

Yeah, I mean, that's right.

I mean, look, the two are clearly friendly, but she does have some constraints constitutionally, but she's also moved to increase Japan's defense spending.

Alexander Gray, who served as chief of staff at the National Security Council in the first Trump administration, he's now at the Atlantic Council, he told me that Japan is the U.S.

's most important ally because of where they sit, that they're linked by the biggest threat that they both face, which, of course, is China.

And I'll just add that I met with Japanese officials last night who echoed this point about keeping relations strong.