CNN will never like President Donald Trump. The bad blood runs too deep.
But CNN was forced to air a confession about Donald Trump they wish they didn’t have to tell.
President Donald Trump’s second term has ignited a wave of economic victories, with plummeting gas prices and a bold push for American energy dominance leading the charge. Under his leadership, the nation is witnessing a remarkable turnaround from the crushing energy costs that plagued families during the Biden administration. Trump’s unwavering commitment to unleashing America’s vast energy resources has delivered tangible relief at the pump, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans.
CNN reporters Erica Hill and Matt Egan couldn’t ignore the good news on Friday, highlighting the dramatic drop in Labor Day gas prices under Trump’s watch. “If you’re planning a road trip this holiday weekend, gas prices at their lowest level for a Labor Day weekend in years,” Hill said. “In some states, they are below $3 a gallon. Matt Egan is here with the good news. We have to say goodbye to summer, but we’re going to do it and save some cash.” This marks a stark contrast to June 2022, when Biden’s policies drove gas prices to a staggering national average nearing $5 per gallon.
Egan elaborated on the scale of this win, noting, “Look, you are in luck if you’re hitting the roads this holiday weekend. GasBuddy is projecting the national average this Labor Day: $3.15 a gallon. That’s the lowest since 2020.” He pointed out that 15 states, including Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, and North Carolina, are enjoying gas prices below $3 per gallon. This relief is critical for Americans grappling with high costs in other essentials like groceries and electricity, proving Trump’s policies are making a real difference.
The driving force behind these lower prices is a significant decline in oil prices, which have fallen from $80 to $65 per barrel since Trump took office. Egan acknowledged, “This is a big change. Now, the White House has been quick to take a victory lap here, crediting the president with unleashing American energy dominance. Now, it’s true that U.S. oil production is basically at all-time highs.” While production has dipped slightly since January 2025, the overall impact of Trump’s energy agenda is undeniable.
Trump’s influence extends beyond America’s borders, as he has successfully pressured OPEC to ramp up production. Egan noted, “OPEC refused to pump more during the Biden years. They are pumping aggressively now, and that is something that the president has pushed them to do. That’s the big difference right now.” This strategic move has flooded the market with supply, driving down prices and easing the burden on American consumers.
Analysts are optimistic about continued relief, with GasBuddy predicting national gas prices could drop below $3 per gallon this fall. Egan emphasized, “But look, no matter the reason, analysts do expect that this is a trend that could be here for a bit. GasBuddy is telling me that they think gas prices are likely to drop below $3 a gallon nationally this fall. And of course, that would be very good news as well.”
Earlier this year, Americans enjoyed the cheapest Memorial Day weekend gas prices since 2021, setting the stage for a summer where prices hit a four-year low, according to GasBuddy and the American Automobile Association. These milestones highlight the consistent success of Trump’s energy policies in delivering affordability and stability to families planning summer road trips or daily commutes.
CNN business reporter Vanessa Yurkevich further noted the economic gains on August 12, citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “When you look at the key categories that we always look at — energy, food and shelter — energy fell by 1.1%,” she said. “That was largely driven because of gas prices falling in the month of July by 2.2%.” This drop in energy costs is a direct result of Trump’s relentless focus on cutting red tape and boosting production.
Beyond gas prices, Trump’s economic wins include a robust push for energy independence. His administration’s executive orders, like the establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council on February 14, 2025, have streamlined permitting processes and revoked restrictive regulations from the Biden era. These actions have empowered American producers to tap into the nation’s vast oil and gas reserves, reinforcing the U.S. as the world’s leading oil producer.
Trump’s policies have also revitalized the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. On his first day in office, he ordered the resumption of LNG export approvals, reversing Biden’s pause. This has led to significant investments, with companies like Australia’s Woodside Energy approving a $17.5 billion LNG project, citing Trump’s vision for American energy dominance. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects LNG exports will reach 15.2 billion cubic feet per day in 2025, up from 11.9 billion in 2024.
The economic ripple effects are substantial. Lower energy costs have eased inflationary pressures, allowing families to spend more on essentials and discretionary purchases. Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods, while controversial, have encouraged domestic production, creating jobs in energy-rich states like Texas and New Mexico. The Permian Basin, a powerhouse of shale oil and gas, continues to drive economic growth under Trump’s pro-energy agenda.
Some analysts warn that OPEC’s increased production, spurred by Trump’s pressure, has created a market glut, causing oil prices to dip below the profitability threshold for some U.S. producers. This has led to reduced drilling activity, with companies like EOG Resources cutting investment plans by $200 million in 2025. Yet, Trump’s team remains confident that long-term strategies, including potential tax credits for oil and gas production, will sustain growth.
Trump’s foreign policy has also bolstered energy security. His administration’s sanctions on Iranian oil sales have tightened global supply, supporting prices while curbing funds to hostile regimes. This aligns with Trump’s goal of reducing reliance on foreign energy, particularly from nations like Iran and Venezuela, which saw lax enforcement under Biden.
