The Origin of the Claim
Trump’s $1.98 gas price claim first gained significant attention on April 17, 2025, during a press conference at the White House. Responding to a journalist’s question about the potential for higher consumer prices due to his newly imposed tariffs, Trump dismissed the concern, alleging that the reporter was not “truthful” and asserting, “You have gasoline that hit $1.98 yesterday in a couple of states.” The statement was part of a broader defense of his economic policies, which include a 10% baseline tariff on imports from most countries and tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods. Trump suggested that gas prices were evidence of economic improvement, claiming the situation had “gotten much better” for Americans.
The claim evolved in subsequent days. On April 18, Trump escalated the assertion, stating that “three states” had seen gas prices hit $1.98 per gallon. By May 1, during a commencement address at the University of Alabama, he lowered the figure further, claiming that gasoline prices had reached $1.88 per gallon in three states. In a social media post on May 2, he reiterated that gas prices had “broken $1.98 a gallon, lowest in years,” a statement that was again unsupported by available data. These repeated assertions, often delivered with confidence, prompted fact-checkers to investigate whether there was any basis for the claims.
Fact-Checking the Claim
Multiple reputable sources, including CNN, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org, CBS News, and the BBC, have thoroughly investigated Trump’s gas price claims and found them to be false. According to data from AAA, the national average gas price on April 16, 2025 the day before Trump’s initial $1.98 claim was approximately $3.17 per gallon. The states with the lowest average prices, Mississippi and Tennessee, were both at $2.70 per gallon, significantly higher than the $1.98 figure. By April 29, the national average was $3.16 per gallon, with no state reporting an average below $2.67, as confirmed by AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
GasBuddy, a company that tracks prices at over 150,000 gas stations nationwide, provided further clarity. Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, reported that the lowest individual station price on April 16 was $2.19 per gallon at a station in Texas. No station in the U.S. was found to be selling gasoline for $1.98 or less during the period in question. By April 23, GasBuddy data indicated that the lowest price at any station was $2.11, still well above Trump’s claim. A reported $1.99 price at a Sam’s Club in Mooresville, North Carolina, was later confirmed to be a prank, with the actual price being $2.69.
The White House’s response to inquiries about the claim did little to clarify the situation. When CNN asked spokesperson Harrison Fields to substantiate the $1.98 figure, Fields did not provide evidence. Instead, he noted that gas prices were more than 50 cents lower than the previous year under President Joe Biden, which was accurate but irrelevant to the specific claim. Fields also falsely asserted that gas prices in “Middle America” were at “record lows,” a statement refuted by historical data showing that prices in the 1990s, when adjusted for inflation, were lower than current levels. For example, $1 in March 1999 had the buying power of $1.94 in March 2025, and national averages in the 1990s occasionally dipped below $1 per gallon.
Historical Context of Gas Prices
To understand the plausibility of Trump’s claim, it’s worth examining historical gas price trends. The last time the national average gas price fell below $2 per gallon was in early 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when reduced demand due to lockdowns drove prices down. In January 2021, the national average was approximately $2.39 per gallon, and some states saw averages closer to $2. The lowest recorded national average during Trump’s first term was $1.86 in March 2020, again due to pandemic-related demand drops. However, by the time Trump left office on January 20, 2021, the national average was $2.39 per gallon, not the $1.83–$1.87 figures he has previously claimed.
In 2025, gas prices have been influenced by a combination of global and domestic factors. The EIA reported a national average of $3.14 per gallon for the third week of April, slightly higher than the $3.11 average during the week of Trump’s inauguration in January. While prices have declined slightly from a peak of $3.24 per gallon in early April, analysts attribute this to increased oil production by non-U.S. countries and concerns about Trump’s trade policies potentially slowing global economic growth, reducing demand. There is no evidence of a significant increase in U.S. drilling or production directly tied to Trump’s policies that would explain a dramatic price drop to $1.98.
Why the Claim Matters
Trump’s $1.98 gas price claim is not an isolated misstatement but part of a broader pattern of exaggerations about consumer prices, including false assertions that egg prices have dropped by 93–94% and that grocery prices are declining. These claims appear designed to counter criticisms of his tariff policies, which Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned in April 2025 could lead to higher prices and slower economic growth. By citing low gas prices, Trump aims to project an image of economic prosperity and deflect concerns about inflation, which has been a significant issue for American consumers.
The claim also taps into a powerful political symbol. Gas prices are highly visible to voters, displayed prominently at stations across the country, and often serve as a barometer of economic health in the public’s mind. By invoking a figure like $1.98 a price not seen in most states for over a decade Trump evokes nostalgia for a time when fuel was perceived as more affordable, particularly during parts of his first term. However, the inaccuracy of the claim undermines its credibility and risks eroding public trust when fact-checked.
The Role of Misinformation
The persistence of Trump’s gas price claim, despite repeated debunking, highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in a polarized media environment. Social media posts on platforms like X have amplified the claim, with some users sharing images of gas prices below $2 from the pandemic era, captioned with phrases like “TRUMP WAS RIGHT!” Such posts, while not representative of current prices, contribute to a narrative that resonates with Trump’s base. Conversely, fact-checking efforts by outlets like PolitiFact and CNN have been shared widely by critics, with posts on X calling out the claim as “pure fiction” and citing AAA and GasBuddy data.
The White House’s failure to provide evidence and its doubling down on misleading assertions about “record lows” in “Middle America” further complicate the information landscape. This approach aligns with a broader strategy of dismissing unfavorable reports as “fake news,” as Trump did when accusing the journalist who questioned him of being untruthful. Such rhetoric can sow confusion among the public, making it harder for voters to discern fact from fiction.
Economic and Political Implications
The $1.98 gas price claim, while factually incorrect, has implications for Trump’s economic narrative and political strategy. By emphasizing low gas prices, Trump seeks to reassure voters that his policies are delivering tangible benefits, particularly in the face of tariff-related price concerns. However, the claim’s falsity risks alienating voters who encounter higher prices at the pump $3.18 nationally on May 2, according to AAA and may feel misled.
Moreover, the claim distracts from broader economic challenges. Grocery prices, for example, rose 2.41% year-over-year in March 2025, the highest annual increase since August 2023, driven partly by avian flu-related egg price spikes. Trump’s tariffs, which have generated $500 million since April 5, far less than his claimed $2 billion per day, are expected to raise costs for imported goods, potentially exacerbating inflation. The EIA projects that gas prices will remain around $3.10 per gallon through 2025 and 2026, casting doubt on Trump’s prediction of an imminent drop to $2.25.
Conclusion
President Trump’s claim that gas prices hit $1.98 per gallon in some states in 2025 is demonstrably false, as confirmed by AAA, GasBuddy, and multiple fact-checking organizations. No state had an average price below $2.67, and no individual station was found selling gas for less than $2.19 during the period in question. The claim, part of a broader pattern of exaggerations about consumer prices, appears designed to deflect criticism of Trump’s tariff policies and project economic success. While gas prices are a potent political symbol, the inaccuracy of the $1.98 figure risks undermining Trump’s credibility when scrutinized. As the 2025 economic landscape evolves, accurate information about prices and policies will be crucial for voters navigating a complex and often contentious public discourse.
Trump’s $1.98 gas price claim first gained significant attention on April 17, 2025, during a press conference at the White House. Responding to a journalist’s question about the potential for higher consumer prices due to his newly imposed tariffs, Trump dismissed the concern, alleging that the reporter was not “truthful” and asserting, “You have gasoline that hit $1.98 yesterday in a couple of states.” The statement was part of a broader defense of his economic policies, which include a 10% baseline tariff on imports from most countries and tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods. Trump suggested that gas prices were evidence of economic improvement, claiming the situation had “gotten much better” for Americans.
The claim evolved in subsequent days. On April 18, Trump escalated the assertion, stating that “three states” had seen gas prices hit $1.98 per gallon. By May 1, during a commencement address at the University of Alabama, he lowered the figure further, claiming that gasoline prices had reached $1.88 per gallon in three states. In a social media post on May 2, he reiterated that gas prices had “broken $1.98 a gallon, lowest in years,” a statement that was again unsupported by available data. These repeated assertions, often delivered with confidence, prompted fact-checkers to investigate whether there was any basis for the claims.
Fact-Checking the Claim
Multiple reputable sources, including CNN, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org, CBS News, and the BBC, have thoroughly investigated Trump’s gas price claims and found them to be false. According to data from AAA, the national average gas price on April 16, 2025 the day before Trump’s initial $1.98 claim was approximately $3.17 per gallon. The states with the lowest average prices, Mississippi and Tennessee, were both at $2.70 per gallon, significantly higher than the $1.98 figure. By April 29, the national average was $3.16 per gallon, with no state reporting an average below $2.67, as confirmed by AAA and the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
GasBuddy, a company that tracks prices at over 150,000 gas stations nationwide, provided further clarity. Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, reported that the lowest individual station price on April 16 was $2.19 per gallon at a station in Texas. No station in the U.S. was found to be selling gasoline for $1.98 or less during the period in question. By April 23, GasBuddy data indicated that the lowest price at any station was $2.11, still well above Trump’s claim. A reported $1.99 price at a Sam’s Club in Mooresville, North Carolina, was later confirmed to be a prank, with the actual price being $2.69.
The White House’s response to inquiries about the claim did little to clarify the situation. When CNN asked spokesperson Harrison Fields to substantiate the $1.98 figure, Fields did not provide evidence. Instead, he noted that gas prices were more than 50 cents lower than the previous year under President Joe Biden, which was accurate but irrelevant to the specific claim. Fields also falsely asserted that gas prices in “Middle America” were at “record lows,” a statement refuted by historical data showing that prices in the 1990s, when adjusted for inflation, were lower than current levels. For example, $1 in March 1999 had the buying power of $1.94 in March 2025, and national averages in the 1990s occasionally dipped below $1 per gallon.
Historical Context of Gas Prices
To understand the plausibility of Trump’s claim, it’s worth examining historical gas price trends. The last time the national average gas price fell below $2 per gallon was in early 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when reduced demand due to lockdowns drove prices down. In January 2021, the national average was approximately $2.39 per gallon, and some states saw averages closer to $2. The lowest recorded national average during Trump’s first term was $1.86 in March 2020, again due to pandemic-related demand drops. However, by the time Trump left office on January 20, 2021, the national average was $2.39 per gallon, not the $1.83–$1.87 figures he has previously claimed.
In 2025, gas prices have been influenced by a combination of global and domestic factors. The EIA reported a national average of $3.14 per gallon for the third week of April, slightly higher than the $3.11 average during the week of Trump’s inauguration in January. While prices have declined slightly from a peak of $3.24 per gallon in early April, analysts attribute this to increased oil production by non-U.S. countries and concerns about Trump’s trade policies potentially slowing global economic growth, reducing demand. There is no evidence of a significant increase in U.S. drilling or production directly tied to Trump’s policies that would explain a dramatic price drop to $1.98.
Why the Claim Matters
Trump’s $1.98 gas price claim is not an isolated misstatement but part of a broader pattern of exaggerations about consumer prices, including false assertions that egg prices have dropped by 93–94% and that grocery prices are declining. These claims appear designed to counter criticisms of his tariff policies, which Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned in April 2025 could lead to higher prices and slower economic growth. By citing low gas prices, Trump aims to project an image of economic prosperity and deflect concerns about inflation, which has been a significant issue for American consumers.
The claim also taps into a powerful political symbol. Gas prices are highly visible to voters, displayed prominently at stations across the country, and often serve as a barometer of economic health in the public’s mind. By invoking a figure like $1.98 a price not seen in most states for over a decade Trump evokes nostalgia for a time when fuel was perceived as more affordable, particularly during parts of his first term. However, the inaccuracy of the claim undermines its credibility and risks eroding public trust when fact-checked.
The Role of Misinformation
The persistence of Trump’s gas price claim, despite repeated debunking, highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in a polarized media environment. Social media posts on platforms like X have amplified the claim, with some users sharing images of gas prices below $2 from the pandemic era, captioned with phrases like “TRUMP WAS RIGHT!” Such posts, while not representative of current prices, contribute to a narrative that resonates with Trump’s base. Conversely, fact-checking efforts by outlets like PolitiFact and CNN have been shared widely by critics, with posts on X calling out the claim as “pure fiction” and citing AAA and GasBuddy data.
The White House’s failure to provide evidence and its doubling down on misleading assertions about “record lows” in “Middle America” further complicate the information landscape. This approach aligns with a broader strategy of dismissing unfavorable reports as “fake news,” as Trump did when accusing the journalist who questioned him of being untruthful. Such rhetoric can sow confusion among the public, making it harder for voters to discern fact from fiction.
Economic and Political Implications
The $1.98 gas price claim, while factually incorrect, has implications for Trump’s economic narrative and political strategy. By emphasizing low gas prices, Trump seeks to reassure voters that his policies are delivering tangible benefits, particularly in the face of tariff-related price concerns. However, the claim’s falsity risks alienating voters who encounter higher prices at the pump $3.18 nationally on May 2, according to AAA and may feel misled.
Moreover, the claim distracts from broader economic challenges. Grocery prices, for example, rose 2.41% year-over-year in March 2025, the highest annual increase since August 2023, driven partly by avian flu-related egg price spikes. Trump’s tariffs, which have generated $500 million since April 5, far less than his claimed $2 billion per day, are expected to raise costs for imported goods, potentially exacerbating inflation. The EIA projects that gas prices will remain around $3.10 per gallon through 2025 and 2026, casting doubt on Trump’s prediction of an imminent drop to $2.25.
Conclusion
President Trump’s claim that gas prices hit $1.98 per gallon in some states in 2025 is demonstrably false, as confirmed by AAA, GasBuddy, and multiple fact-checking organizations. No state had an average price below $2.67, and no individual station was found selling gas for less than $2.19 during the period in question. The claim, part of a broader pattern of exaggerations about consumer prices, appears designed to deflect criticism of Trump’s tariff policies and project economic success. While gas prices are a potent political symbol, the inaccuracy of the $1.98 figure risks undermining Trump’s credibility when scrutinized. As the 2025 economic landscape evolves, accurate information about prices and policies will be crucial for voters navigating a complex and often contentious public discourse.
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