Former President Donald Trump energized a crowd in Asheville, North Carolina, with a bold commitment to cutting energy prices in half if he returns to the White House. Speaking to supporters at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Trump announced his intention to achieve the ambitious goal within the first 18 months of a potential second term. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing rising costs, Trump framed his vision as essential for reducing inflation and bringing relief to American families.
“I am announcing today that, under my leadership, the U.S. will commit to the ambitious goal of slashing energy and electricity prices by half — at least half!” Trump declared to enthusiastic applause. He outlined a timeframe of 12 to 18 months for realizing this target, though he acknowledged that even partial success would significantly lower energy bills. “We think that your energy bills will be down by 50%-70%,” Trump said, noting that such a reduction would significantly ease the impact of inflation on the economy.
Trump highlighted the current administration’s struggles with inflation, pointing to gas prices that have surged by 50% since President Joe Biden took office. While Biden has attempted to mitigate these increases through sales from strategic oil reserves, Trump argued that these measures have been inadequate. He targeted Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for 2024, as incapable of resolving the ongoing economic crisis. Harris, Trump warned, would “only make it worse.”
Throughout his speech, Trump took aim at Harris, accusing her of lacking original ideas and failing to lead effectively. Mocking Harris for allegedly copying his idea to eliminate taxes on tips, Trump said, “She’s waiting to announce her economic policy vision until I reveal mine so she can copy it.” He then tied Harris directly to the country’s broader economic problems, asserting, “She can’t solve the problem because she is the problem.”
As part of his economic platform, Trump proposed eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors, a move he described as essential for helping those on fixed incomes cope with inflation. “To help seniors on fixed incomes who are suffering the ravages of inflation, there will be no tax on Social Security!” Trump pledged. He also outlined a strategy to redirect funds from the Biden administration’s renewable energy initiatives back to infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.
???? PRESIDENT TRUMP: I am announcing today that, under my leadership, the U.S. will commit to the ambitious goal of slashing energy and electricity prices by HALF — AT LEAST!
Your energy bills will be down by 50%-70%. pic.twitter.com/tiiHA2RyXT
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 14, 2024
“To further combat inflation, I will terminate Kamala Harris’ ‘green new scam,’” Trump said, referring to renewable energy programs as a misuse of taxpayer dollars. He promised to use unspent funds from these initiatives to improve infrastructure and return money to the government, equating current policies to “throwing billions of dollars out the window.”
Trump’s speech culminated in a broader call to action, reiterating his familiar themes of securing the southern border, pushing back against progressive social policies, and protecting traditional values. He linked his economic plan with a broader vision of restoring “common sense” to government, promising that his policies would end the escalating costs of everyday essentials like groceries, gas, and homes.
Trump’s message resonated with the crowd, as he painted a stark contrast between his agenda and that of the current administration. With Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, Trump’s rhetoric sharpened, portraying the 2024 election as a critical opportunity to reverse the course set by the Biden-Harris team. He concluded with a rallying cry to “stop the invasion” at the border and “get transgender insanity the hell out of our schools,” themes that have become central to his platform in recent months.
Trump’s remarks framed the 2024 race as a battle for the nation’s future, positioning himself as the leader who can steer America back toward economic prosperity and conservative values.
