Trump Supporters in Texas Stay Loyal Despite Gas Prices Near $4.25

Gasoline prices are rising on the eve of the midterm elections, yet supporters of President Donald Trump at rallies in Texas say the rise in costs has not shaken their loyalty. Some of them warn that the future of the country is at stake.

"I see that expenses are high, but I'm in it for the long haul and I support everything he is doing," said one supporter at a Trump rally in Lubbock, Texas, speaking to Fox News Digital. Correspondents from the outlets spoke with rally participants in Lubbock and Corpus Christi, two cities in a state closely tied to America's oil and gas industry. Voters acknowledged the economic pressure but remain firmly on the president's side.

According to AAA, the average national price of a gallon of regular gasoline on Wednesday was about $4.25. That is nearly 40% higher than roughly $3.05 a year ago. At the Lubbock rally, Trump acknowledged the rise in costs, but pointed to increased oil production in the United States and the administration's recent energy agreement with Venezuela as steps that should bring prices down. "Our country is making a fortune while people are paying more at the pump," he said, adding that gasoline prices would "come down very quickly." "We care about our people at the pump, and these numbers are going to start coming down very fast," he told the crowd.

During an earlier speech in Corpus Christi, Trump announced the arrival of the first million barrels of Venezuelan oil supplied under the agreement with the South American country. The White House says the oil is being provided at no cost to American taxpayers and will be refined in Texas. The administration presents the agreement as an important step toward expanding energy supplies and supporting domestic jobs. According to a White House statement, the broader arrangement would give the United States control over about 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.

Stephen Elsher from Corpus Christi said the economy remains his main concern ahead of the elections, but he believes it is Republicans who can turn the situation around. "I would like everything to change and get better next year," he said. "Without Republicans in power, we won't move in that direction."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is facing growing pressure from its progressive wing, and democratic socialist candidates are gaining prominence and sparking debate about the party's direction. At the Lubbock rally, Trump repeatedly warned voters against what he called a "radical left Democrat communist" agenda. According to him, Democratic policies would raise taxes, threaten jobs in Texas's oil and gas industry, and weaken border security. "The choice in this election is very simple," he told supporters.

For some Trump supporters at the Texas rallies, affordability is not the only concern. Participants warned that the rise of socialism threatens the country's future. "We cannot lose our republic," said Susie, a supporter from Corpus Christi, claiming that the country is under siege from Democrats, socialists and communists. Elizabeth Tricho, who came to the Lubbock rally with her daughters, said the midterms are about more than the immediate election, but about the future of the country and opportunities for the next generation. "What matters most is opportunity again. Trump is on the side of opportunity," she said. Tricho said she wants Trump to continue waging the war on drugs and to stand against socialism in the remaining two years of his time in office.

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Connor Quincy

Technology Reporter

Connor Quincy covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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