George Takei Blasted For Tweeting Americans Can ‘Endure’ Higher Gas Prices For Ukraine

Actor George Takei has been facing backlash following a tweet in which he suggested Americans can deal with higher gas and food prices if it meant punishing Russian President Vladamir Putin and supporting Ukraine.

The drama began on Friday after Takei shared the message to Twitter. “Americans: We can endure higher prices for food and gas if it means putting the screws to Putin. Consider it a patriotic donation in the fight for freedom over tyranny,” he tweeted.

Further inflation is expected to hit the U.S. economy amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict and sanctions imposed by President Joe Biden. However, since Takei is worth millions, some people thought the message was tone-deaf.

By Saturday, the “Star Trek” alum’s name became a trending topic on Twitter, with people calling Takei out for not considering impoverished Americans who are already struggling to afford the current food and gas prices.

“Don’t listen to this guy. He’s rich and probably doesn’t drive anyways. The common American shouldn’t have to pay the price for a conflict we should have no part in. George Takei, you fail at patriotism,” one person wrote.

An example of why Hollywood should generally keep its collective mouth shut in situations like this. George Takei can make a donation for me. I think he might have a little more in his bank account than I do. He can pay for my son's art lessons that are on the chopping block here https://t.co/WmAj9L46it
— Reds 'Sporto' Bergamo (@DiabeticJew) March 5, 2022

I'm not going to quote George Takei but if you see his name pop up skip it. It's just as stupid as the last thing he said. Jesus, he's thick.
— Tequila is life. (@PuseckerJ) March 5, 2022

George Takei doesn't acknowledge the existence of poor people. https://t.co/V0RVm1XUtm
— Dayv (niɒϱɒ ɘboɔinU ϱniƨuƨim) (@dayv) March 5, 2022

George Takei's comment comes off as tone-deaf as people are already suffering from inflation, low pay, and covid related issues and he is a 1%er who will never feel any of these "higher costs" on his food or gass.
— DiversityDan (@dan_diversity) March 5, 2022

George Takei should be ashamed of himself and his behavior on Twitter. He is only interested in his own self-aggrandizement and dumb takes. Insane. https://t.co/1zfEPDO1tR
— philospeak | Culture Loved & Mocked (@philospeak) March 5, 2022

George Takei is a multi-millionaire. Higher prices mean nothing to him vs. the average American. https://t.co/Q2T0Y3ZmmJ
— Scott (@ScottChristler) March 5, 2022

Meanwhile, another person suggested Americans are privileged and strong enough to meet Takei’s request.

“Guess what Americans? We made plenty of homefront sacrifices during WW2. Rationing, working in dangerous munitions factories, etc. People were proud to do their patriotic duty. Now we whine about gas prices, not having Doritos on the shelves, wearing a mask. George Takei is right,” the individual wrote.

Although Takei has continued to post tweets about the conflict in Ukraine, he has not responded to the backlash involving his tweet.

Russia and Ukraine are expected to resume negotiations for a cease-fire and safe passage for civilian evacuations on Monday.

News of plans to negotiate comes after the Ukrainian President’s office accused Russia of violating a cease-fire by shelling an area in the city of Mariupol.