Texas Gas Hits $4.25 as Trump Touts Venezuelan Oil Deal

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached approximately $4.25 on Wednesday, a jump of nearly 40% from the roughly $3.05 cost recorded one year prior. The spike has landed just before the midterm elections, creating a tight economic squeeze for voters in Texas, a state deeply connected to the oil and gas industry.

President Donald Trump addressed the rising costs during a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas. He pointed to increased American oil production and a recent energy agreement with Venezuela as key steps to lower prices. Trump told the crowd that the administration's focus is on the people paying at the pump. He predicted that gas prices would drop rapidly as a result of these measures.

During a separate stop in Corpus Christi, the president announced the arrival of the first million barrels of Venezuelan oil. The White House stated that this oil is provided at no cost to American taxpayers and will be refined within Texas. Officials argued that the broader agreement grants the United States majority control over approximately 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves, aiming to expand the domestic energy supply.

Despite the high fuel costs, supporters at rallies in both cities expressed continued loyalty to the president. Stephen Elsher of Corpus Christi identified the economy as his primary concern for the upcoming midterms. He argued that Republicans are the only group capable of reversing the current economic trend. He stated that without Republican leadership, the country would not move in the desired direction.

Trump used the rallies to contrast his economic agenda with the Democratic platform. He warned voters against what he called the radical left Democrat communist agenda, claiming it would raise taxes and threaten Texas energy jobs. He also emphasized that Democratic control would weaken border security. For many attendees, the election represented a choice between economic stability and the rise of socialism.

Some voters viewed the midterms as a fight for the nation's long-term future. Elizabeth Trigo, who attended the Lubbock rally with her daughters, said the election is about preserving opportunity for the next generation. She described Trump as being on the side of opportunity. She wants him to continue fighting the war on drugs and pushing back against socialism during his remaining two years in office.

Susie, a supporter in Corpus Christi, warned that the country is under siege by Democrats, socialists, and communists. She stated that voters cannot lose the republic. The Democratic Party faces internal pressure from its progressive wing as democratic socialist candidates gain prominence. This shift has sparked debate over the direction of the party ahead of the November vote.