President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to issue a sharp warning to gasoline retailers across the country, demanding they bring prices down without delay.
“Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump posted on the platform.
The president went further, warning of consequences for those who fail to comply. “There will be no gauging, which is totally illegal. If Retailers don’t do this, big problems lie ahead! Start targeting around the $2.50 a Gallon number,” he wrote.
The post follows a move Trump made last week, when he said he directed the Department of Justice to investigate oil companies for failing to lower pump prices in step with declining crude oil costs. He accused those companies of “gouging” American consumers.
Fuel prices surged earlier this year after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran in late February. Iran responded with its own attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states that host U.S. military bases. The escalating conflict drove energy costs higher for American drivers.
More recently, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have helped ease some of the pressure at the pump. A ceasefire took effect in April and has been extended, though both the U.S. and Iran have accused each other of violating its terms. The U.S.-Israeli military actions in Iran and Lebanon have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.
The issue carries political weight as well. Consumers have voiced frustration over elevated gas prices, and the president and fellow Republicans are working to maintain narrow majorities in Congress heading into the November midterm elections.
