Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized former President Trump in an interview, suggesting that if he were to win re-election, he would enable foreign energy producers to “price gouge.” She warned voters about the potential consequences of Trump’s policies on gas prices, citing a recent meeting between Trump and oil executives where he allegedly promised favorable policies in exchange for money. AOC’s comments came amidst concerns about rising gas prices, with AAA reporting that the national average for a gallon of gas had increased significantly since Biden took office.
Gas prices had soared by over 50% since Biden’s inauguration, reaching nearly $3.62 per gallon in parts of the country. This spike in prices was causing sticker shock at the pump for many Americans, impacting their daily lives and travel plans. A Fox News poll revealed that a majority of voters considered gas prices a problem for their families, with Republicans, Hispanic voters, and women being most affected. Despite a slight decrease from the previous year, concerns about inflation remained, with prices continuing to climb year-over-year.
In response to the rising gas prices, the Biden administration announced the release of over 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the administration’s commitment to lowering prices for American families, especially as summer driving season approached. The release of oil from storage facilities in New Jersey and Maine was intended to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery to retailers. This move was seen as an effort to address the immediate impact of high gas prices on consumers.
While gas prices had peaked in 2022, dropping from over $5 per gallon, they had been steadily rising since March. The release of gasoline from the reserves was expected to provide some relief to consumers, but concerns about the long-term impact of rising energy costs remained. Ocasio-Cortez’s criticism of Trump’s potential policies and their impact on gas prices added to the ongoing debate about energy production, regulation, and consumer protection. The Trump campaign had not responded to requests for comment on the issue, leaving the conversation open for further discussion and analysis.
Overall, the debate around gas prices, inflation, and energy policy highlighted the challenges facing American families and policymakers. The Biden administration’s decision to release oil from reserves aimed to address the immediate concerns of consumers, but questions remained about the long-term solutions to rising energy costs. Ocasio-Cortez’s warning about Trump’s policies added a political dimension to the conversation, raising awareness about the potential consequences of different approaches to energy production and regulation. As gas prices continued to fluctuate, the impact on everyday Americans remained a key concern for policymakers and voters alike.
