President Donald Trump on Wednesday admitted that while crude oil prices have fallen sharply, the savings have not reached the pump quickly enough for American drivers, just days before the July 4 holiday weekend.
“Just as I promised, Oil Prices are plummeting FAST, and Gas Prices at the pump are dropping too, but not as fast as they should be,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “As we approach America’s 250th Birthday, I am pleased to announce that a VERY smart Retailer, located throughout the Northeast, is stepping up, and wishing the People of Philadelphia a ‘Happy Birthday!’”
The president claimed that a so-called “Freedom Fuel Network” would help lower prices at 25 stations in the Philadelphia area, offering relief as gas prices remain volatile following the recent conflict with Iran. He urged other retailers to follow suit, framing the move as a patriotic act.
“This Retailer is taking the lead, and others should follow,” Trump wrote. “They are doing this because they love the U.S.A. We are proud to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Birthplace of our very special, one-of-a-kind Declaration of Independence, and where I won BIG in the Presidential Election!”
The president concluded his remarks by predicting that gas prices would return to the record lows seen “before our very successful ‘excursion’ in Iran.” The post included an AI-generated image of a gas station bearing “Freedom Fuel Network” signage. The Hill has sought clarification from the White House on the network’s specifics.
Trump’s frustration came after the U.S. and Iran signed a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paused hostilities and largely reopened the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas. Tehran had shut down the strait earlier this year, driving up global energy costs. However, Iran reasserted control over the waterway in recent days, leading to a brief exchange of fire over the weekend. The ceasefire was restored, but Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command warned Thursday of a “forceful response” if tankers deviate from approved routes.
On Monday, the president lamented that prices have not fallen further despite the MOU. He warned of “big problems lie ahead” if gas companies engage in price gouging, and directly demanded they lower their rates.
“They’re too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south. The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right — DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!” he wrote in a separate post.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas reached $3.84 on Thursday. West Texas Intermediate crude was trading at $67.66 a barrel, while Brent Crude stood at $70.71. The administration has faced criticism from Democrats over its handling of energy policy, with some lawmakers calling for ethics reforms amid other controversies. Meanwhile, internal GOP divisions have complicated legislative priorities, as seen in the House GOP civil war over Trump's SAVE Act that stalled a defense bill.
The president’s push for lower gas prices comes as his administration also faces scrutiny over EPA approvals of 'forever chemical' pesticides and a $2 billion disclosure revealing crypto windfall and deep conflicts. With the July 4 travel rush underway, the White House is under pressure to deliver on Trump’s promise of affordable energy.
