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3471A claim by President Donald Trump that gas prices recently dropped to $1.98 a gallon has sparked a wave of pushback across Reddit, where users blasted the statement as dishonest, misleading, and completely disconnected from the reality faced by millions of Americans.
The controversy began after Trump posted this “fact” on Truth Social, prompting widespread skepticism.
The discussion picked up steam on the r/inflation subreddit, where one post questioned, “Is this guy for real? Is ANY gas station in America $1.98 a gallon, nonetheless the average…this guy I tell you…”
‘We Know What We’re Paying’
Many users expressed disbelief that anyone would accept such a lowball estimate, especially given the much higher prices they’re seeing at the pump daily.
“Gaslighting the American public with no shame daily,” one highly upvoted comment read, summing up the mood of the thread.
Another added, “And his supporters will believe everything he says…”
A number of people pointed to their own experiences to underscore how disconnected the $1.98 figure was from reality.
One commenter noted, “As they are paying $3.50 per gallon for gas and $5.50 for a dozen eggs.”
Another added, “As they pay $4.50 at the pump, twice as much (if not more) for groceries, all while getting taxed into oblivion while billionaires don’t pay sh*t.”
Some found the claim insulting to people’s intelligence. “Most of us drive cars. We see the prices with our own eyes every week,” one person wrote. “Does he think we don’t check our credit card bills or receipts?”
Others echoed that thought, expressing concern that this type of statement attempts to rewrite reality in broad daylight.
Several said the remark went far beyond typical political exaggeration. “This is the closest to literal public gaslighting that you can get nowadays,” one user commented. Others were more blunt, labeling Trump the “Gaslighter in Chief.”
Cult Loyalty and Distraction Tactics
Many commenters saw the statement as just the latest in a pattern of disinformation aimed at reinforcing loyalty and distraction.
“He isn’t trying to convince anyone that these things are true,” one person wrote. “He is stating which falsehoods you need to profess belief in to remain a member in good standing in his cult.”
Others suggested that the claim was part of a broader strategy to manipulate public opinion on interest rates and economic policy.
“And then that insidious ulterior motive at the end, what he really wants, for the Fed to lower rates,” one commenter observed.
Another echoed the point, saying the former president enjoys spreading easily debunked lies because it makes him feel powerful and in control.
Some viewed the tactic as textbook authoritarianism. “This is a key component of authoritarianism btw: Don’t believe your eyes, believe the Dear Leader,” said one person.
That theme was repeated by others who warned that constant lying about obvious facts is a way to test followers’ loyalty through forced belief.
Lies That Could Backfire
Despite strong support among his base, a few commenters questioned whether lies about tangible, everyday items like gas and groceries might finally push some supporters to reconsider.
“If he keeps lying about everyday things that actually affect literally everyone, I think he loses a lot of followers,” one person argued.
“Even the most braindead moron knows what they’re paying for gas and groceries.”
Another user wrote that lies about obscure topics might slide under the radar, but lying about universally understood things could backfire.
“It’s easy enough to ignore or believe lies about ‘obscure’ things like immigration statistics and crap like that. But this? Everyone buys gas,” they said.
Trump’s statement is also at odds with real-world data. According to the AAA, the national average gas price in early May is about $3.165 per gallon — nearly double the figure he claimed.
Some couldn’t help but add a dose of sarcasm to the discussion. “So that’s where all the cheap gas went!” joked one commenter.
Another deadpanned, “But he’s the president, it must be true! /s”
While Trump’s claim may resonate with some segments of his base, the overwhelming response on Reddit showed a sharp rejection of the idea.
For many Americans, especially those feeling squeezed at the pump and in the checkout line, statements like this only deepen the divide between rhetoric and reality.
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