Former President Donald Trump has voiced strong criticism against President Joe Biden’s decision to release gas reserves, forecasting that gas prices could skyrocket to $10 per gallon if Biden secures a second term. The Biden administration’s announcement to release 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast reserve comes just six months before the upcoming election, a move seen by many as a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution.
During a break from his legal proceedings in Manhattan, Trump shared his views, decrying Biden’s energy policies as ineffectual and damaging. Trump emphasized that during his tenure, the United States had achieved energy independence and was on the verge of becoming energy dominant. He pointed out that Biden’s inability to manage energy production has forced the country to rely on strategic reserves, which were meant for emergencies, not for election-time price manipulation.
The former president is not alone in his criticism. Many argue that Biden’s energy policies—implemented through a series of regulations, executive orders, and other mechanisms—have significantly hampered domestic energy production, leading to increased dependence on foreign sources. Actions like canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline, suspending oil and gas leases in critical regions, and restricting overall domestic energy production have all contributed to higher energy costs.
The national average gas price currently stands at $3.59, according to AAA, which is a significant increase from the $2.38 average when Trump left office. This uptick in prices is a direct consequence of Biden’s policies, which include blocking new exports of liquid natural gas, thereby diminishing potential revenue and jobs. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s recent statements about the administration’s focus on lowering gas prices ring hollow for many Americans facing steeper fuel costs.
Rising energy costs have a ripple effect, impacting various sectors—including food prices. Fast-food chains like Popeyes, Taco Bell, and Chipotle have dramatically increased prices on menu items, with some items surging by over 100%. These increased costs are not merely a result of inflation but are significantly driven by heightened energy expenses, which affect transportation and production costs.
Biden’s assertion of corporate greed as the culprit for rising prices deflects from the tangible impact of his energy policies. While he continues to blame businesses, the groundwork for these increased costs was laid by his administration’s restrictive energy policies. The cumulative effect of these decisions is felt by every American, from higher gas prices to increased costs at their favorite fast-food restaurants.
As the nation approaches the next election, voters must scrutinize the real impacts of Biden’s policies. The administration’s reliance on strategic reserves to manipulate short-term gas prices underscores a lack of viable long-term energy strategies. Such measures are not sustainable solutions to the nation’s energy challenges. The strategic reserve is a finite resource, and its depletion without addressing the root causes of high energy prices puts the country at risk.
The American energy landscape, once thriving and independent, now grapples with policy-induced challenges that have far-reaching consequences. With the burden of high gas prices and increased living costs, American families are reminded daily of the critical need for sound energy policies that prioritize domestic production and energy independence. The forthcoming elections will be pivotal in determining the direction of the country’s future energy strategies and overall economic health.
