Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized former President Trump for allegedly enabling foreign energy producers to “price gouge” if he were to win re-election. She made these remarks during an interview on Spectrum News NY1, reacting to Trump’s upcoming rally near her district and the potential messaging he may use to appeal to working-class voters. Ocasio-Cortez warned voters that Trump’s policies would lead to higher gas prices by allowing companies to raise prices without proper oversight or regulation, citing a recent meeting between Trump and oil executives where he reportedly promised favorable policies in exchange for financial contributions.
Gas prices have been a growing concern for Americans, with the national average for a gallon of gas reaching nearly $3.62, up significantly from $2.39 when President Biden was inaugurated. In response to the rising prices, the White House released over 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve in an effort to lower prices for American families, especially as summer driving season approaches. Despite a slight decrease from the record high of over $5 per gallon in June 2022, prices have been steadily increasing, impacting a majority of voters who see gas prices as a problem for their families.
A recent Fox News survey found that over 8 in 10 voters view gas prices as a problem, with nearly half considering them a “major” issue. While inflation has cooled off from its peak in June 2022, prices have still been on the rise, climbing 3.5% year-over-year in March according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sticker shock at the pump has been particularly felt by Republicans, Hispanic voters, rural voters, young voters, women, and independents, with Democrats and older voters being less likely to view gas prices as a significant concern.
The continued increase in gas prices has led to concerns about the impact on summer travel plans for many Americans. The White House’s decision to release gasoline from storage facilities in New Jersey and Maine is aimed at ensuring competitive pricing and effective delivery to retailers ahead of the summer holiday season. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the administration’s focus on lowering prices at the pump for American families, especially during a time when many will be hitting the road for summer vacations. The staggered release of oil from the reserve is intended to address the immediate concerns of consumers facing high gas prices.
As the debate over gas prices continues, both political parties are looking for ways to address the issue and gain voter support. While Ocasio-Cortez has criticized Trump for potentially enabling price gouging by foreign energy producers, the White House’s actions to release gasoline from reserves signal a commitment to addressing the concerns of American families. The impact of gas prices on everyday consumers, economic stability, and political decisions will likely remain a critical issue as the country moves forward.
