Trump's Energy Policies Fail to Deliver Lower Prices

President Donald Trump's promise to create jobs and lower Americans' energy bills has fallen short. Despite his administration's efforts to boost natural resource drilling and mining, oil prices have surged, and employment in the sector has declined. The average American household is projected to spend $624 more on energy this year compared to 2004.

The administration's policies aimed at increasing fossil fuel production have not led to lower energy costs. In fact, gasoline prices have risen due to the war with Iran, initiated by Trump in January 2025. Diesel fuel prices have also increased, reaching $6 a gallon in September 2026. Natural gas prices have risen nearly 17% compared to the same period two years ago.

The administration's efforts to boost fossil fuels and nuclear power have not yielded the desired results. The cost of electricity is expected to be 18.2 cents/kWh this year, up from 16.5 cents before Trump took office. Critics argue that market forces can work independently of a president's policies, and some of Trump's non-energy decisions, such as the war with Iran, have contributed to higher prices.