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President Trump Changes Tactics To Help Struggling Americans
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President Trump Changes Tactics To Help Struggling Americans

President Donald Trump is calling on gasoline retailers to lower prices at the pump, arguing that falling crude oil prices should be reflected more quickly in what Americans are paying for fuel.

In a post Monday on Truth Social, Trump said retail gasoline prices remain too high despite the decline in oil prices, warning that companies should act immediately to pass savings on to consumers.

"Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY!" Trump wrote. "They're too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south."

The president urged retailers to reduce prices voluntarily, saying consumers should benefit from lower energy costs. He also warned against price gouging, which he described as illegal, and suggested that businesses failing to respond could face consequences.

"The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right — DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!" Trump wrote. "There will be no gouging, which is totally illegal. If Retailers don't do this, big problems lie ahead!"


Trump also floated a target price of roughly $2.50 per gallon, while directing criticism toward California's fuel taxes. He argued that the state's tax burden has significantly increased the price drivers pay at the pump and claimed those costs continue to climb.

"California should stop charging such heavy Taxes on their Gasoline," Trump wrote. "Soon the Tax will be higher than the Product itself."

The remarks come after Trump recently highlighted a nationwide decline in gasoline prices following the easing of tensions in the Middle East. Last week, he said average gasoline prices had fallen by approximately 60 cents per gallon after the conflict involving Iran subsided.

During that period, concerns over global oil supplies intensified after traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was temporarily disrupted. The waterway is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, with roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through it. As shipping resumed, oil prices retreated, easing concerns about prolonged supply disruptions.

"We had to make this detour, we had to go to Iran," Trump said while discussing the conflict. "You can't let them blow up the Middle East."

Despite fears that higher fuel costs could weigh on consumers and slow economic growth, recent economic data have suggested otherwise.

According to analysis by Breitbart News economics editor John Carney, consumer spending remained resilient during the period of elevated oil prices. Nominal consumer spending increased 0.7 percent in May after a 0.4 percent gain in April, while inflation-adjusted spending rose 0.3 percent following a flat April reading.

Rather than reducing purchases in other areas to offset higher gasoline costs, consumers continued spending across the broader economy, indicating that the temporary increase in fuel prices did not produce the widespread slowdown some economists had anticipated.

Administration officials have also expressed confidence that energy prices will remain under control.

Earlier this month, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said continued domestic oil production should help keep gasoline prices trending lower.

"We're producing and exporting more oil than we ever have," Burgum said, pointing to increased American energy output as a key factor supporting lower prices.

According to data from AAA cited in recent reports, the national average price of gasoline fell below $4 per gallon in June. While prices have eased in much of the country, significant regional differences remain. California continues to record the highest statewide average, with motorists there paying considerably more than the national average due in part to state taxes and regulatory costs.

Written by Arthur Higgens - July 1, 2026