Trump touted falling gas prices but now says 'we make a lot of money' as they go up - NBC News

NBC News
March 12, 2026
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4 min read

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President Trump's statements on gas prices have shifted from touting falling prices to acknowledging high profits.

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President Trump previously celebrated declining gas prices during his campaign and early presidency, but has now shifted his messaging to emphasize how rising prices benefit American energy producers by saying "we make a lot of money" when prices increase. This represents a notable change in Trump's public stance on gasoline costs, which traditionally serve as a key economic indicator that presidents either tout or defend depending on whether prices help or hurt consumers. The shift highlights the political challenge presidents face when discussing energy prices, as lower costs benefit drivers and the broader economy while higher prices can boost domestic oil and gas industry profits. Trump's evolving rhetoric reflects the tension between appealing to consumers who want cheaper fuel and supporting the American energy sector that profits from higher commodity prices. The comments come as gas prices have fluctuated during Trump's second term, creating a messaging challenge for an administration that has promised both energy dominance and economic relief for working families.

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