Trump says he’ll ignore criticism while US profits from high oil prices
At a Georgia rally, Donald Trump declared he doesn’t care about backlash for saying the United States is earning a fortune from elevated oil prices, even as gasoline costs remain high for drivers.
Donald Trump addressed a crowd in Georgia, acknowledging that his team had cautioned him about drawing attention to the country’s windfall from rising oil prices, yet he said he would not shy away from the topic. He claimed the United States is earning “hundreds of billions of dollars” because of the Middle-East situation and the flow of oil from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and added that he expects gasoline prices to fall.
The comments were met with swift backlash online, with Governor Gavin Newsom sharing the footage and criticizing the president’s stance. Current national average gasoline prices sit around $4.29 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association, still well above last year’s level. One outlet/Siena poll found that 73 % of likely voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of gas prices, including majorities across party lines. Senators such as Elizabeth Warren also used the episode to accuse Trump of worsening costs through foreign policy decisions.
Why it matters
Trump’s remarks highlight a clash between political messaging on energy profits and the public’s concern over high fuel costs.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Trump’s Iran conflict fuels energy price surge, jeopardizing GOP midterm prospects
- Oct 14 Iran’s security chief publicly named the US‑UAE night‑shuttle as a specific target.
- Oct 14 President Trump took steps to release diesel stocks and negotiate with Russia.
- Oct 14 Donald Trump told a crowd at an Arizona-Nevada border rally that officials who leak to the media should be shot.
- Oct 14 Analysts say that after the upcoming midterm elections, price growth is likely to linger at higher levels for the medium term. The employment sector is projected to keep its resilience, supporting consumer confidence. Stock markets are anticipated to post gains, while the cost of buying a home is expected to remain out of reach for many buyers. These outlooks reflect the central economic concerns shaping voter sentiment.
- Oct 15 He repeated the call while endorsing Rep. Andy Biggs during his 2026 western campaign tour.
- Oct 16 Trump announced a Russian diesel import agreement.
- Oct 17 Spain extended its 20‑cent‑per‑litre fuel subsidy beyond the planned November 1 expiry.
- Oct 21 September UK CPI data showing a 3.5% annual rise has been released.
- Oct 21 Trump announced a $5,000 payment to each adult contingent on Republican control of Congress.
- Oct 24 Obama is slated to campaign with Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Saturday, a move that follows his recent endorsement and a campaign ad urging support. Republicans are highlighting concerns that El-Sayed struggles to win over Black voters, a demographic crucial in the swing state. The rally, also featuring gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson, aims to boost early voting and unite the party’s base.
- Oct 24 A live Q&A on the economy is scheduled for Thursday at noon ET.
- Oct 24 Obama’s itinerary now includes a rally in Detroit with El‑Sayed.
- Oct 25 Obama joined Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and Senate candidate Sherrod Brown at a Cleveland rally.
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