New reporting from American Journal News is highlighting how DC insider Michael Whatley has “profited by up to $219,660” from the war in Iran as his investments in oil and gas companies “soar.” A “longtime oil lobbyist,” this is now the second time Whatley made a “windfall” following military action he cheered on.
As Whatley profits from the war, he has said he doesn’t “think we’re sacrificing our soldiers at all right now.” More than 1,500 troops from Fort Bragg have been deployed to the Middle East, 13 service members have been killed and hundreds more have been wounded.
Read More:
American Journal News: Collins, Whatley benefit financially from Iran War oil boom
Jesse Valentine | April 8, 2026
- Maine Sen. Susan Collins and North Carolina Republican Michael Whatley have both seen their stock portfolios soar since the war began on Feb. 28, largely because of their investments in oil and gas.
- American-produced oil shot up in value after the war disrupted the global oil trade. This has led to a surge in gas prices and increased profits for some oil and gas companies.
- Leo Mariana, a research analyst at Roth Capital Partners, told The Guardian that the war has been a “windfall” for energy investors.
- Whatley also owns shares of ConocoPhillips, along with Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Devon Energy, and Shell. His total oil and gas investments are worth up to $1.39 million.
- With the help of the war, Whatley has profited by up to $219,660.
- Both Whatley and Collins have expressed support for the war in Iran, a stance that risks putting them out of step with most voters.
###