Overview
At a rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump promised to dramatically lower energy and electricity prices by half within 12 months if re-elected in November. His speech, delivered to a crowd of approximately 5,000 attendees, focused on energy policy, immigration, and economic recovery, areas where he has seen strong support. Trump also sharply criticized the Biden administration’s energy policies and Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on fracking.
Why It Matters
The promise to cut energy prices speaks directly to the economic concerns of American families, showing a strong contrast between the current administration’s policies and Trump’s proposed solutions.
Who It Impacts
Pennsylvania workers in the energy sector, rural communities affected by immigration, and voters concerned with high electricity and gas prices are most likely to be impacted by Trump’s proposed policies.
At a rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump made a bold commitment: to slash energy and electricity prices in half within his first year if re-elected in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Addressing a large crowd of roughly 5,000 supporters, Trump focused on his primary campaign issues—economy, immigration, and energy. These themes have consistently resonated with his base and helped cement his strong standing in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.
The former president used the rally as a platform to draw sharp contrasts between his energy policy and that of the Biden administration, particularly targeting the ongoing natural gas export ban that has been temporarily halted following legal challenges from Republican state attorneys general. Trump emphasized his plan to end the ban completely, touting the significant benefits it would provide to the Pennsylvania energy industry. “We’ll get Pennsylvania workers pumping, fracking, drilling, and producing like never before,” Trump declared, underscoring his commitment to boosting domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign imports, especially from countries like Venezuela.
A central point of his speech was the impact of rising energy costs, which have surged since President Joe Biden took office. Trump’s promise to reduce energy prices by half struck a chord with the audience. “We have more liquid gold under our feet, and we’re buying oil from Venezuela. We don’t need it at all. It’s crazy!” he exclaimed, reflecting on what he views as misguided energy dependence on foreign nations. Trump’s rallying cry was clear: a return to energy independence under his leadership would not only alleviate financial strain on American families but also reignite the country’s economic engine.
Immigration was another major theme of Trump’s address, with the former president blaming the Biden administration for what he described as a chaotic and destructive immigration policy. He pointed to the rising influx of migrants into small towns across the U.S., a situation he warned would erode the cultural and economic fabric of states like Pennsylvania. The crowd responded to Trump’s assertions with chants of “Send them back,” illustrating the deep concern among his base regarding illegal immigration. “It takes centuries to build the unique character of each state, but reckless migration policy can destroy it quickly,” Trump warned, drawing parallels to what he described as deteriorating cities in London, Paris, and Minneapolis.
Trump also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris’s inconsistent stance on fracking. Harris, who had previously expressed opposition to fracking during her 2019 presidential campaign, was accused by Trump of flip-flopping on the issue. He claimed that, under a Biden-Harris administration, Pennsylvania’s energy industry would face dire consequences. “If anybody here believes that she will let your energy industry continue—like fracking—you should immediately go to a psychiatrist and have your head examined,” Trump remarked, provoking cheers from the crowd.
The rally wasn’t just about Trump’s promises; it also featured Republican Senate candidate David McCormick, who is vying to unseat Democratic Senator Bob Casey. McCormick’s remarks aligned with Trump’s narrative, framing his campaign as a “battle between common sense” and the “radical liberal policies” represented by his opponent. Pennsylvania remains a key battleground state, and Trump’s rally, alongside his continued presence in the state, reflects the critical role it will play in determining the 2024 election.
The issue at hand, particularly regarding energy policy, stands as a significant challenge for the current administration. The American people have felt the sting of rising fuel and electricity prices, and with natural resources abundant in states like Pennsylvania, the argument for a return to domestic production over foreign reliance seems compelling. Trump’s promise to reduce energy costs and revitalize the energy sector presents a clear contrast to the policies of the current leadership.
