Trump Claimed $1.98 Gas—But the Receipts Don’t Add Up

When former President Donald Trump stepped up to the podium and said gas had hit $1.98 in a couple of states, the internet exploded. Supporters cheered.

Critics questioned. Most of all, Americans wanted to know if this was actually true.

Let’s follow the facts and find out.

He Said It Loud and Clear: “Gas Hit $1.98”

During a press conference at the White House, Trump responded to a question about rising costs with a bold statement:

“You have gasoline that hit $1.98 yesterday in a couple of states.”

That quote didn’t just make headlines—it triggered fact-checkers, economists, and millions of drivers to check their local pumps. Could gas really be that low?

National and State Averages Tell a Different Story

According to AAA’s daily fuel tracker, the national average price for regular gas that day sat at $3.17 per gallon. That’s more than a dollar higher than Trump’s claim.

Even the cheapest states—Mississippi and Tennessee—reported averages near $2.70. Nowhere in the U.S. came close to $1.98, even in the most rural or competitive markets.

So, where did that number come from?

GasBuddy’s Data Confirms the Truth

To make sure nothing slipped through the cracks, researchers turned to GasBuddy, a service that tracks real-time prices at thousands of stations.

Their results? Zero stations nationwide offered gas under $2.00 per gallon that day.

In short, Trump’s $1.98 figure wasn’t supported by any public data or consumer reports.

Gas Did Hit $1.98—But That Was Years Ago

Gas has dropped to $1.98 before—but not recently. Here’s when:

• In 2020, during the pandemic’s early months, demand collapsed and prices plummeted. In isolated areas, gas dipped below $2.00.
• Back in 1999, national prices hit 99 cents—equivalent to $1.94 today when adjusted for inflation.

But those were extraordinary circumstances, not the norm today.

Why Exaggerating Gas Prices Misleads the Public

Gas prices influence everything—from commuting costs to grocery bills.

When leaders misstate facts about fuel, it doesn’t just skew debates—it confuses voters and warps economic reality.

Inflated or inaccurate claims distract from the real work of reducing prices, improving infrastructure, or helping families make ends meet.

Other Claims from Trump That Raised Eyebrows

The gas price statement wasn’t the only controversial comment that day. Trump also claimed:

• Egg prices dropped by 92%
• Tariffs were bringing in $2 billion a day

Both claims have been widely debunked. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices have fallen, but not by anything close to 92%.

And tariffs—paid by importers, not foreign countries—don’t generate the daily numbers he suggested.

The Bottom Line: Prices Are Down, But Not That Far Down

It’s true—gas prices are lower than they were in mid-2022, when inflation peaked. But they’re not that low. And certainly not at $1.98.

As election season heats up, Americans deserve honest answers about their wallets. So before you believe the pump fantasy, check the facts—and maybe your local gas station, too.

James Smith

James is a talented content writer and digital researcher. He focuses on topics like investments, finance, scams, and product reviews. He works hard to uncover the truth behind online claims and explains things clearly. James is also great at spotting scams and sharing honest advice with readers. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys playing chess and basketball, blending his strategic thinking with a love for both quiet focus and active fun.