Sky-high gas prices aren’t shaking Trump’s MAGA faithful in oil country as supporters warn of bigger threat
Trump supporters at rallies in Lubbock and Corpus Christi, Texas, said rising petrol prices had not weakened their support for him ahead of the midterm elections. Several acknowledged the cost pressures but said they trusted Republicans to improve the economy, while others framed the vote as a choice about the country’s future and what they see as the threat of socialism.
The national average for regular petrol was about $4.25 a gallon on Wednesday, nearly 40% higher than a year earlier, according to AAA. Trump cited higher US oil production and an agreement involving Venezuelan oil as ways to increase supply and bring prices down; he said the first million barrels had arrived and would be refined in Texas. The White House says the wider deal would give the US majority control over about 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan reserves.
In short
- Texas rally-goers say high petrol prices have not shaken their support for Trump.
- US regular petrol averaged about $4.25 a gallon, up nearly 40% year on year.
- Trump points to Venezuelan oil and higher production as ways to lower costs.
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The case for
Supporters can argue that higher petrol prices are painful but temporary, and that expanding domestic production and refining Venezuelan oil could increase supply and ease costs. They may also see the election as weighing broader priorities, including their confidence in Republican economic policies and concern about what they regard as excessive government control.
The case against
Critics can argue that households face immediate costs and should judge the administration by whether its policies bring prices down, rather than by promises of future supply. They may also question whether the Venezuelan oil deal will deliver meaningful relief soon, and contend that voters should weigh economic performance alongside other claims about the country’s future.
Explained simply
The midterm elections take place halfway through a US president’s four-year term. Voters choose members of Congress, who make federal laws and oversee the government; the result can affect how easily a president advances their policies.
Texas is a major oil-producing state, and petrol prices are a visible part of household costs. The price at the pump is affected by factors including global oil supply and demand, so higher US production does not necessarily mean an immediate fall in petrol prices.
Donald Trump is the Republican president, and “MAGA” refers to his political movement, named after his “Make America Great Again” slogan. His supporters and the opposing Democratic Party differ over economic policy and the role of government, including what each sees as the risks facing the country.