Biden Says He ‘Can’t Do Much Right Now’ About Rising Gas Prices

President Joe Biden said Tuesday he “can’t do much right now” about rising gas prices and put the blame squarely on Russia.

The president announced a ban on U.S. imports of Russian energy earlier Tuesday amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at the White House, Biden warned that the move “is not without cost here at home” but promised to do “everything” he “can to minimize” what’s now being described by the administration as “Putin’s price hike.”

Hours later, upon landing in Texas, the president was pressed on what message he had for Americans regarding the rise in gas prices and what he can do about it.

“They’re going to go up,” Biden said. “Can’t do much right now … Russia is responsible.”