Energy Secretary Chris Wright made headlines on Tuesday when he posted on X that “the U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets.” The news was electric. Within minutes the price of oil dropped several dollars per barrel. Unfortunately, the news was fake and Wright deleted the post only minutes later, which was followed by the markets again jumping up even higher.
The White House meanwhile clarified yesterday that the US has not escorted any oil tankers through the strait. “I was made aware of this post. I haven’t had a chance to talk to the Energy secretary about it directly, however, I know the post was taken down pretty quickly and I can confirm that the U.S. Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time,” Caroline Leavitt said during a White House press briefing. She noted, however, that the possibility of military escorts for tankers through the strait is still on the table. “That’s an option the president has said he will absolutely utilize if and when necessary at the appropriate time,” Leavitt said.
