Trump’s Claims on Gas Prices Face Scrutiny in State of the Union Address

During his State of the Union address on February 25, 2026, President Donald Trump focused on gasoline prices, asserting credit for bringing them down from a peak of over $6 a gallon in some states during the prior administration. However, these claims have been met with skepticism and analysis indicating a more nuanced reality.

The President’s Claims

President Trump stated that gas prices were “below $2.30 a gallon in most states” and even cited instances of $1.99 a gallon. He similarly referenced a price of $1.85 a gallon seen in Iowa a few weeks prior. He characterized high prices under the previous administration as “a disaster.”

The Current Reality of Gas Prices

According to petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan, the national average gas price is $2.95 a gallon, a decrease of approximately 16 cents from the previous year. However, sub-$2 gas is “extremely rare.” As of February 25, 2026, only 8 out of roughly 150,000 gas stations nationwide were selling gasoline below $2 a gallon, with four located in Texas, one in Oklahoma, and three in Kansas.

While prices in some areas, like certain stations in Colorado for a month prior, briefly fell below $2, these were described as “highly localized competitive events.” Iowa did see prices as low as $1.85 a gallon in early January, but prices there have since risen.

Factors Influencing Gas Prices

De Haan emphasized that a president has limited control over gasoline prices, which are primarily determined by the global oil market and weather conditions. A surge in oil production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and freezing winter weather have contributed to downward pressure on prices.

Skepticism and Approval Ratings

Skepticism regarding President Trump’s claims about gas prices appears to be growing, coinciding with a decline in his approval ratings. Recent inquiries from the public, such as one from a reader of the USA TODAY Network, have questioned the veracity of the below-$2-a-gallon claims.

Sources:

• DW Fact Check: Donald Trump Claims
• AP News: Highlights from Trump’s State of the Union
• NBC News: Fact-checking Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address