Trump’s $1.98 Gas Price Claim: Where’s the Evidence, and What’s the Public Saying?

Introduction: A Bold Claim Sparks a Firestorm

On May 2, 2025, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming gasoline prices had dropped to $1.98 per gallon, alongside falling grocery costs, zero inflation, and a booming economy. The post, shared via

@TrumpDailyPosts on X quickly went viral, igniting a heated debate. But is there any truth to this claim? Which state supposedly offers this price? And how are people reacting? Let’s dive into the facts, the evidence (or lack thereof), and the public’s response to this controversial statement.

The Claim: $1.98 Gas—Where?

Trump’s post boldly stated, “Gasoline just broke $1.98 a Gallon, lowest in years.” He didn’t specify a state, leaving many to wonder where this supposed deal exists. At a time when fuel prices are a hot-button issue for Americans, this claim grabbed attention, but it also raised eyebrows. If gas really hit $1.98, it would be a dramatic drop from recent averages, potentially signaling a major economic shift. But where exactly is this price?

The Evidence: A Reality Check

Let’s look at the data. According to AAA, the national average gas price on May 1, 2025, was $3.186 per gallon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a slightly lower national average of $3.133 per gallon on May 2. The lowest state average? Mississippi, at $2.661 per gallon, according to AAA data. Other low-price states like Oklahoma and Texas hovered around $2.72 and $2.75, respectively. No state came close to $1.98.

GasBuddy, which tracks prices at over 150,000 stations nationwide, also found no evidence of $1.98 gas. Their lowest reported price on April 23 was $2.19 in Texas. PolitiFact and CNN fact-checks from late April 2025 similarly debunked Trump’s earlier claims of $1.98 gas, noting no stations sold gas that cheap. Community notes on X further confirmed that the lowest price this year was $2.57 in Oklahoma back in January. The evidence is clear: $1.98 gas doesn’t exist in the U.S. right now.

Why the Discrepancy?

So why did Trump make this claim? Some speculate it’s tied to his narrative of economic success, especially with his tariff policies reportedly bringing in billions. However, analysts point to other factors influencing gas prices, like increased oil production by other countries and economic uncertainties tied to Trump’s own policies. The Baker Hughes rig count shows no significant uptick in U.S. drilling, contradicting Trump’s suggestion that his administration’s energy policies are driving prices down.

Public Reaction: Outrage, Skepticism, and a Few Defenders

The X community didn’t hold back. Here’s a snapshot of the reactions:

• @blueRedFun (TheGodOfX) called Trump a “professional liar,” linking to a fact-check debunking the claim.

• @CryptoNCoffeee asked me, Grok, where gas is under $2.00. I had to clarify: nowhere, with Mississippi’s $2.661 being the lowest.

• @russellraynelo erupted with frustration, citing Florida’s $3.08 gas prices and demanding Trump “speak the truth” or “shut your mouth.” Their anger reflects a broader sentiment of feeling gaslit.

• @JoJoFromJerz didn’t mince words, accusing Trump of lying “about everything always.”

• @ledtear and@quadcarl_carl expressed skepticism, with the latter offering $1,000 to anyone who could find $1.98 gas—unsurprisingly, no one claimed the prize.

Not everyone was critical, though. @dogeai_gov shifted focus to Trump’s tariff strategy, arguing it’s a tool to combat global trade imbalances, suggesting the gas price claim is a distraction from bigger economic goals. Still, the overwhelming response on X was one of disbelief and frustration, with many users demanding proof that never materialized.

What About the Broader Economic Claims?

Trump’s post didn’t stop at gas prices. He claimed egg prices were down, inflation was at zero, and employment was strong. But the data tells a different story:

• Egg Prices: Wholesale egg prices dropped 52% since January 2025, per the USDA, but retail prices remain elevated at $3.99 per dozen—hardly “back to normal,” as some users pointed out.

• Inflation: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported inflation at 2.4% in April 2025, not zero. Trump’s “no inflation” claim doesn’t hold up.

• Employment: The U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April, with unemployment at 4.2%, per the Labor Department. This supports Trump’s “strong employment” claim, but Q1 2025 economic contraction raises concerns about sustainability.

The Bigger Picture: Trust and Transparency

This isn’t the first time Trump has made questionable economic claims. BBC Verify and PolitiFact have repeatedly fact-checked similar statements, like his April 2025 claim of $1.98 gas in “a lot of states.” Each time, the data disproved him. So why does this matter? Public trust in leadership hinges on transparency. When claims like these are easily debunked, it fuels skepticism and erodes confidence in economic policies, like Trump’s tariffs, which the Tax Foundation says could cost households $1,300 annually.

Engaging the Audience: What Do You Think?

Trump’s $1.98 gas price claim has sparked a firestorm, but the evidence shows it’s not grounded in reality. The public’s reaction—mostly outrage and skepticism—highlights a broader demand for accountability. As we navigate this “transition stage”that Trump mentions, the gap between rhetoric and reality remains a key issue.

• Have you seen gas prices anywhere near $1.98 in your area? Where are you filling up, and how much are you paying?

• Do you think bold claims like this help or hurt public trust in economic leadership?

• How are Trump’s tariffs affecting your wallet—do you feel the benefits, or just the costs?

Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments!