Sununu’s Financial Gains Amid Controversial Conflicts
Amid the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Venezuela, Republican John Sununu has reportedly been benefiting financially. His personal financial disclosures reveal substantial investments in oil and gas, sectors that have seen increased profits due to the wars.
Sununu, who is seeking a return to the U.S. Senate representing New Hampshire, previously held the position from 2003 to 2009. His current campaign comes at a time when public opinion is largely against the military actions he supports.
Significant financial returns for Sununu have been linked to his investments in oil and gas companies. As conflicts contribute to rising gas prices, these companies are experiencing increased profits and stock valuations.
According to Leo Mariani, an analyst at Roth Capital Partners, “The first quarter is going to be phenomenal for these companies,” he stated to Reuters. “I don’t think there’s any way around that.”
In the previous year, Sununu and his wife reported holding between $77,000 and $280,000 in oil and gas stocks, including up to $50,000 in ExxonMobil and $65,000 in Shell. The portfolio has surged by 24% since November 2025, with notable increases following military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
The White House has defended its intervention in Iran with several reasons, such as regime change and preventing nuclear weapon development. Joe Kent, who resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has criticized the war, calling it unnecessary and dangerous.
Kent expressed his disapproval in his resignation letter, stating, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.”
Sununu has aligned with the White House’s stance, advocating for the military efforts in Iran as essential for national security. In an interview on New Hampshire Today, he emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, describing the nation as a significant terrorism sponsor for decades.
Addressing concerns about rising gas prices, Sununu remarked that “the mission is important and critical.”
The rationale for the U.S. involvement in Venezuela has remained vague from the White House. However, Sununu suggested on New Hampshire Today that the conflict could enable U.S. involvement in oil and gas development in Venezuela.
“I think there is an opportunity for the U.S. to provide technical assistance, advice, even financing to help rebuild [Venezuela’s] economy broadly and in the oil industry in particular,” he stated.
Polling indicates a disconnect between Sununu’s support for these conflicts and public opinion. An Ipsos poll reveals just 33% of Americans support the military action in Venezuela. A Pew Research Center survey shows 61% disapprove of the Iran conflict.
Following his Senate departure, Sununu worked at Akin, a lobbying firm with energy and defense clients. Between 2010 and 2019, Akin earned over $5 million from oil and gas companies, including Shell.
During his Senate tenure, Sununu backed the 2003 Iraq invasion.
In the upcoming September 8 primary, Sununu will compete against former New Zealand ambassador Scott Brown, with the winner likely facing Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in the general election.
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